Thu, Dec 08, 2011 | 04:28 GMT
Witcher 2 patched, goes DRM free
CD Projekt has released the delayed v1.1 patch for The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, and explained that mystifying mention of “simpler and more reliable game installation and activation”.
The reference to simpler activation appeared in the initial patch notes, but was detailed on the Witcher website.
“The most noticeable change is the removal of the DRM protection world-wide. This gives players the freedom to install and play the game on any number of computers, and no activation code is required,” the post reads.
“Other notable improvements include frame rate increases of approximately up to 30 [percent], especially noticeable on DRMed versions and low spec systems”.
This seems to suggest the DRM system initially utilised in non-GOG and Steam copies of the game was responsible for some of the problems experienced by players.
CD Projekt’s Adam Badowski released a statement on the matter saying DRM doesn’t meet the company’s “philosophy” of rewarding players for purchasing its games.
“Our approach to countering piracy is to incorporate superior value in the legal version,” he wrote.
“This means it has to be superior in every respect: less troublesome to use and install, with full support, and with access to additional content and services. So, we felt keeping the DRM would mainly hurt our legitimate users.”
Noting that the primary function of the game’s DRM – to keep it from leaking pre-release – had been served, Badowski said CD Projekt moved to shed the system once problems were discovered.
“Pre-release tests showed only small performance differences compared to the DRM-free (GOG.com) versions. We were unpleasantly surprised when some of our fans reported much larger differences, up to 30% lower framerates. This was another clear signal that we had to remove DRM as soon as possible – the quality of our users’ gameplay experience is absolutely our number one priority!”
Patch 1.1 must be downloaded and installed manually.
A Witcher-related announcement is expected at E3.
Thanks, 1UP.
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Posted in: Action, CD Projekt, Namco Bandai, PC, RPG
Tags: Adam Badowski, CD Projekt red, drm, patch, the witcher 2: assassins of kings
12 comments
#1
Noodlemanny
27/05/11, 12:22 am
Wow. I wonder how many idiots with go out and buy the game once they find out the DRM is lifted and how the frame rate has improved. Don’t get me wrong, these are both bad and annoying things, but don’t base your opinion of a game on them.
#2
YoungZer0
27/05/11, 12:36 am
@1: Absolutely legit reasons. You can’t enjoy the game if it stutters every second. You can’t enjoy the game if you can’t play it because of DRM.
Anyway, Amazing news.
#3
Big_Boss
27/05/11, 12:41 am
Bought the game on steam, started playing on release day. Love it. Patch comes out, 9Gb download. WTF Steam!?
Apparently Steam deletes the file that is updated by the patch and downloads a patched version of the file. It so happens the file is 9Gb. D:
#4
YoungZer0
27/05/11, 12:45 am
Lucky me, i guess. Downloading the 15 MB patch right now.
#5
Dralen
27/05/11, 2:54 am
Damn that’s amazing! CD Projekt are fast becoming my favourite developer.
#6
ultramega
27/05/11, 3:01 am
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! Downloading now!
#7
ultramega
27/05/11, 6:30 am
My performance is wayyy up, and 1440p now works for me =)
#8
Phoenixblight
27/05/11, 7:04 am
It has done nothing for me and I bought the retail version. Sad panda.
#9
viralshag
27/05/11, 7:12 am
I’m loving the game but I wish they had included some way to sort your inventory.
#10
Edo
27/05/11, 10:22 am
Definitely some major improvements:no frame drops(so far),can change key bindings,making potions(and other stuff)in meditation mode is much easier(you don’t have to press button for each potion when making).
#11
NeoSquall
27/05/11, 12:22 pm
This reminds me I haven’t installed the game yet. And I have Geralt bust from the CE staring at me right now…
#12
bpcgos
27/05/11, 5:19 pm
We love you CD PR!