As much as I abhor the DRM debate, I was thinking a little more about this driving home from work. Does the unlock download even require any sort of verification of legitimate ownership? If not, I'm not sure that a one-time-only requirement to have an internet connection really constitutes DRM in any sort of meaningful sense.
Mind you, this isn't me going to bat for CDPR in this spat. My kneejerk reaction without all the facts is that they probably didn't handle this confrontation in the best possible way. However, I don't know if attacking them for being hypocrites about DRM is entirely fair, despite what I said earlier. I mean, if I have to enter some sort of key or tie to my GoG account to access the download, it's DRM. But a patch that anyone can download to guard against Day 0 activiation? I'm not on board with calling that DRM.
Q: Do I need Internet access to install the retail PC version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt?
A: The initial, pre-premiere retail PC batch of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt needs to download a file from our servers to allow play. This file will either be downloaded automatically during installation process or you can choose to download it manually from a dedicated website. Since we have no DRM in the game, this is a security measure we needed to incorporate so the game doesn’t leak during the production process. No worries, the file will not be big. Copies of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt produced after launch will not contain this security feature.
Q: Will there be any sort of serial number provided in the retail PC box?
A: The game does not require any serial code to install or play. However, each retail PC copy of Wild Hunt will contain an additional GOG.com game code for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. See below for details.
Q: What is the GOG.com game code found in the box used for?
The game code grants you access to a digital backup copy of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on GOG.com. You will also receive full software support, i.e. future updates, as well as all the additional content like the 16 Free DLCs, the FLAC & MP3 soundtrack, comics, wallpapers, art book, all voice over packs and more.
Q: Can I install and play the game without the GOG.com game code?
A: Yes you can install and play the game without the game code.
Q: Will I be able to install updates and the free DLCs without using the GOG.com game code?
A: We decided to offer software support, DLCs, and extra goodies only to gamers who confirm their purchase with the provided game code on GOG.com. This is the only way for us to differentiate between you, honest gamers who bought our game, and pirates who snatched it from the Internet.
Q: Do I need to become a GOG.com user to play the game I just bought?
A: You can install and play the game without becoming a GOG.com user.
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