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Good Old Games now supports Mac, kicks off with approximately 50 games
Everyone's favorite DRM-free digital games distributor, Good Old Games, is now offering support for just over 50 games on Mac OS-based machines. That means that classics like Syndicate and the Wing Commander series are now offered through the service, not to mention new classics like Botanicula and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. To kick off the launch, GOG's offering a variety of discounts (including 50 percent off of SimCity 2000 -- a no brainer if you ask us), as well as an Apple-flavored commercial that we've dropped below the break. If you haven't already headed over to GOG and started madly purchasing things, we'd suggest watching the tongue-in-cheek trailer, for the chuckles alone.
New name for CD Projekt RED's 'Cyberpunk,' Witcher news to stream live Oct. 18
CD Projekt RED has enough announcements to fill up an entire Facebook wall post, and is streaming a live Special Event on October 18 at 2 p.m. ET, with news regarding Cyberpunk, The Witcher 2 modders and Mac users. The stream will be available on The Witcher Facebook page and on GOG.com.CD Projekt RED will announce the official name of its Cyberpunk project, hopefully as something that doesn't sound like a dangling adjective when spoken. Mac users can expect "a bunch of thrilling announcements" and details about The Witcher 2 on OSX. Last we heard, The Witcher 2 was scheduled to hit Mac this fall.Modding news may involve the REDkit mod tools program, which is accepting beta applications through September 30.The Special Event also includes news from GOG.com: GOG will officially announce plans to bring its lineup of classic PC games to "a new operating system," which we can only assume is Gentoo. OK, fine – it's probably OSX.
CD Projekt Red hiring for RPG in a 'brand new setting'
CD Projekt Red, the makers of The Witcher and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, has posted a boat-load of job openings for an unannounced "RPG in a brand new setting" over on its official blog. "We're looking for people who would rather work on an entirely new and different IP," reads the listing, "a vast RPG for which we want to assemble the best possible staff. It represents an opportunity for you to create a grand new project from the ground up!"The listing also makes reference to the developer's existing "mature dark-fantasy world," distinguishing this new project as likely separate from The Witcher (at least in location), and as one for those who "can't stomach dwarves, elves or sorceresses who put their ample charms on display in Playboy magazine."If you're an artist, programmer or designer looking for work in Poland, give it a shot! There's never any harm in trying. Well, unless you're trying to teach synchronized swimming to an uncooperative bear – there's probably a lot of harm in that.
Deja Review: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition (Xbox 360)
We're of the firm opinion that your time is too precious, too valuable to be spent reading a full review for a game that was already reviewed many, many years ago. What's the point of applying a score to a game that's old enough to be enrolled in the sixth grade? That's why we invented Deja Review: A quick look at the new features and relative agelessness of remade, revived and re-released games. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings has always been a console game in disguise. The PC version remains superior, capable of more clarity and sophisticated effects, but plug in a controller and the Riveting Polish Game transforms into something you'd rather play ensconced in a couch. The "Enhanced Edition" feels authentic and comfortable on the Xbox 360. That isn't to say it's been streamlined to a fault. The Witcher 2 is a gorgeous, thoughtful and brassy adventure with a surprising number of sharp edges. The original game had a deadly gauntlet for a tutorial, a misstep which got it lambasted while a dragon roasted players again and again. It was frustrating, yes, but it worked as a charming wake-up call of sorts, and as a crucial component of the game's mature personality. To succeed, you must think and do as Geralt of Rivia does, and that's precisely what you want in a role-playing game.%Gallery-145685%
Witcher 2 launches new trailer before Xbox debut
Geralt of Rivia ventures to the Xbox 360 next week, with a refined experience of the adventure that debuted on PCs last year. The horrifically painful-to-play opening act of the game, which was a stumbling block for so many, has been tweaked for accessibility and to get players involved in one of the best RPGs in recent memory. Here's the launch trailer before next week's Xbox 360 debut.
Witcher 1: Enhanced Edition now on OSX, Witcher 2: EE gets free backup on GOG.com
The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut is now available for OSX via Steam for $9.99, CD Projekt has just announced. The port requires OSX 10.6.8 or newer, an Intel Core 2 Duo (or better) and roughly 11 gigs of free space. Since it's a SteamPlay title, users who have purchased The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut from Steam on PC will automatically receive the OSX version, and vice versa.CD Projekt also announced that every copy of The Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition includes a complimentary, DRM-free backup copy at GOG.com, regardless of where the game is actually purchased. Said backups also include any extras that may have been included with whatever version of Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition you purchased, such as art books and soundtracks.
Previously on The Witcher...
The Witcher's appearance on Xbox in a couple weeks will mark his first introduction to many console players. In the absence of a console port of the original Witcher, this 5-minute clip covers the story so far.
Namco Bandai wins in Witcher 2 distribution dispute
If you pick up an Xbox 360 copy of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings in Western Europe, Central or South America, or the Asia-Pacific region next year, it'll be thanks to Namco Bandai. A court in Lyon, France has ruled that it may distribute the game in those territories, following a dispute with CD Projekt parent company Optimus SA, which had offered the game to THQ despite prior commitments. Namco Bandai is entitled to a new distribution contract, and can extract a punitive fee of 15,000 euros per day if Optimus doesn't sign on the dotted line within 15 days of the ruling. When the dispute began, Optimus president Adam Kicinski expected a settlement or a legal victory, after which, he said, "the loser will pay for our lawyers." A second loser here is THQ, which sees its preliminary agreement crushed as collateral damage beneath the gavel. According to Parkiet.com, CD Projekt RED board member Marcin Iwinski said THQ had suffered no costs, and that the companies may yet "part in harmony." The court did not venture an opinion on Namco Bandai's suggestion that CD Projekt had violated their agreement by spontaneously disabling DRM from PC versions of The Witcher 2.
The Witcher 2 approaching a million sales
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is close to selling a million copies, a representative for developer CD Projekt Red confirmed to Joystiq earlier today. The Warsaw Business Journal reported that the studio had sold 940,000 copies of the gorgeous monster hunter RPG in the first half of 2011, following its launch on May 17. The Witcher 2 version 2.0 update for PC should arrive on September 29, alleviating the game's punishing opening and making other tweaks that should open up Geralt's excellent adventure to more players. The Xbox 360 version, which will ship with the V2.0 content, is still planned for Q1 2012.
The Witcher 2 Xbox 360 delayed until Q1 2012
CD Projekt RED announced today that the Xbox 360 "adaptation" of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings will arrive in the first quarter for 2012. The developers stated that the extra time will allow them to improve the game -- which they are saying is not a "typical port" -- and resolve the legal dispute with Namco Bandai in which it's currently involved. The Witcher 2 for Xbox 360 will be playable at the upcoming Gamescom 2011 show in Germany in Hall 6 (Stand C021). CD Projekt will also reveal upcoming DLC for the PC version, following an "as-yet-unannounced update". An update that was, by definition, just announced... but apparently doesn't have a name or any details to share yet.
The Witcher 2 patch trims sprawling saves (and Geralt's hair)
You'd think the witcher would have a potion to eradicate unruly hair, but apparently even he needs to consult the barber from time to time. CD Projekt has bundled the free "Barbers and Coiffeuses" DLC with the latest Witcher 2 patch (version 1.2), allowing Geralt to alter his hairstyle "for a small fee" in each chapter. And knowing his knack for crafting, he'll probably put the hair trimmings to good use in making a foul-smelling elixir. In addition to injecting all previously released DLC, the new patch also addresses the issue of a sprawling save directory. Save files are now compressed, and an in-game option to delete them has been added. According to the patch notes, controller analogue sticks should also be responsive in menus again (especially helpful in the radial combat menu), the prologue battle should be more balanced, and The Witcher 1 saves should import correctly. CD Projekt has stated that all corrections will carry over to the upcoming Xbox 360 version of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings.
CD Projekt on The Witcher 2's sales, update and bringing the game to Xbox 360
Joystiq got to meet up with CD Projekt on the windy roof of a hotel in Venice, CA earlier today where the company's "Summer Days" streamed press conference was going on and have a quick chat about what was announced. Senior Producer Tomasz Gop and level designer Marek Ziemak kindly answered our questions, the first of which was how the company felt the Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings launch went. "We can dream about more," said Gop, "but this was really good. We didn't set a milestone where we'd be happy or not. This is really good, we're not disappointed at all."
LA Noire becomes UK's fastest-selling new IP
Your friends list can probably corroborate: L.A. Noire is a hit. Chart-Track revealed today that Team Bondi's crime drama is the "fastest-selling new video game IP ever in the UK," and the 13th fastest-selling title during launch week for Xbox 360 (11th fastest on PS3). It'll be interesting to see if L.A. Noire does as well as Red Dead Redemption, which sucked the oxygen out of retail during its first few weeks. Meanwhile, Lego Pirates of the Caribbean maintained second place, while Brink slipped from its top position last week to third. Zumba Fitness won't go home when the lights go out, slipping only six percent in sales and capturing a spot in fourth. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings premiered in fifth as the only other debut to break into the top 40 last week. The sequel outsold The Witcher's UK launch nearly three to one, according to Chart-Track -- remember that those figures don't include digital sales. Investigate the rest of the UK top ten after the break.
The Witcher 2 trailer details the four kings and kingdoms
The world of The Witcher 2 is a politically tumultuous place, pockmarked by warring kingdoms, corrupt kings and -- judging by the game's subtitle -- a handful of king-assassins. Check out the trailer after the jump for a rundown of the game's four major monarchs.
Joyswag: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, The Witcher: Enhanced Edition codes
We've already gone over the purpose and proclivities of The Witcher: He hunts and exterminates beasts that don't belong in this world, imbibes body-altering mutagens, and perpetually responds to the world with a determined grimace. It's a pretty cool job. Witcher watchers are likely aware that the grizzled warrior-monk, Geralt of Rivia, is set to return tomorrow in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. We've got three copies to give away, courtesy of GOG. The game is already available for pre-purchase on the retro service, and while it's not exactly fitting with those old PC games, it does come without DRM. (Copies bought elsewhere will require a one-time online activation via Securom.) We're also giving away ten GOG download codes for The Witcher: Enhanced Edition, the revamped RPG that kicked off Geralt's gareer -- uh, career. Read the instructions below the break, leave a comment, and you're in.
Witcher 2's 'Insane' difficulty mode offers no respawn, only permanent death
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings will include "permanent death" as an ominous feature of its "Insane" difficulty option. Eurogamer spoke with CD Projekt gameplay designer Mateusz Kanik, who explained that players can save the game on Insane, but if they die that career string will be disabled for reloading. However, the developer does plan on adding a "resurrection scroll; maybe DLC or something." The harsh design decision comes from CD Projekt's admiration for the notoriously sinister Demon's Souls' lovingly abusive relationship with the player. Kanik added that there will be an achievement "for sure" for beating the game on Insane. Come on, CD Projekt, at least offer up one of those Witcher heads for the accomplishment, considering death is on the line.
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings hitting GOG next May
It seems The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings will be available through GOG.com alongside its retail debut in May, 2011. Eurogamer reports the news will be made official later today. Both Witcher and GOG are overseen by Polish company CD Projekt, so the convergence doesn't sound, as the people of Mypos would put it, "ridigulous." CD Projekt's GOG site hosts a number of "Good Old Games" and, when the company isn't performing poorly conceived marketing stunts, its DRM-free download service is focused and fantastic. The Witcher 2 will break new ground on the service by not being old -- let's just cross our fingers that it can at least live up to the other criteria. Update: CD Projekt has confirmed the game will be available DRM-free on GOG.com, pre-orders available now.
The Witcher 2 will have 16 different endings
Did you know that The Witcher had three different endings? Seems like par for the course, right? Well, things are getting downright insane in The Witcher 2, which Eurogamer reports will have 16 different attainable outcomes. Here's some other interesting improvements, courtesy of that snazzy new multi-platform engine: There will be 256 cutscenes (totaling 150 minutes) in The Witcher 2, whereas the first game only had 130 cutscenes (totaling 53 minutes) The Witcher 2 will have 30 different armor types to choose from, compared to the five available in the first game You'll only need to suffer through four load screens in the sequel, while the first game forced players to wait during approximately 700 The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is slated to launch sometime in 2011.
The Witcher 2 bewitching PCs in Spring 2011
Hidden in Atari's fiscal 2009 financial report, there was a tiny but informative nugget on CD Projekt's The Witcher 2. According to the report, the action RPG is "planned" to land on PC in "Spring 2011." The report included no further details, though Atari's fiscal 2010 ends on March 31, so expect the game sometime before then. Also, no mention was made of a console release, though CD Projekt stressed earlier this week that it still plans to bring the game to consoles. Source -- Atari Second Half and Full Year 2009/2010 consolidated results (PDF)
The Witcher 2 still planned for consoles, CD Projekt says
Console gamers anxious to traverse CD Projekt's fictional land in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, fear not. Confirming console plans on Facebook, CD Projekt assures us porting the game is still very much on the table. "There are some rumors about us leaving The Witcher-2-on-consoles idea," the Facebook post reads. "That's pretty weird, as we want and plan to release the game on consoles & nothing has changed in this matter. We're still sure, that Geralt & company has something to offer both - PC & console players." Of course, CD Projekt always planned to offer the first game on consoles, though that dream eventually died. Hopefully the sequel doesn't encounter the same bumps on its road to the console kingdom. [Via Eurogamer]
