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[erawsd]

They're intentionally trying to drive people to buy from their service rather than a competitor's through innuendo. As far as I can tell GMG is a totally legitimate site.

Except that the game is also digitally available through Steam, Origin, Uplay, Humble, Gamespot, Amazon, and probably plenty of other outlets. So I don't necessarily buy that as the reason CDPR decided not to sell through GMG.

GMG is a legit site. Its a legit site exactly because it only deals with product directly from publishers. The reason they are in this mess is because they decided to act more like a cdkey reseller, and decided not to tell anyone.

Like someone else mentioned, everyone involved (Gamespot, GOg, GMG) are coming out of this with stink on their faces.

 

[Fiercedeity]

Yep this is all about CDPR trying to ensure more sales through Gog. That's pretty apparent.

 

[flaxknuckles]

CD's just hustlin' trying to get more GOG money. Of course they didn't want GMG selling it on their store because they'd have a superior discount and no one would buy the game from GOG. GMG is known for slicing 25-35% off a new game's price before it even releases.

 

[Tovarisc]

It isn't that hostile on its own, but the very same person allowed their forum mods to post a very bad statement accusing GMG of selling fraudulent keys (the original final post in the thread) - the fact that the CDPR member didn't delete that mods statement is very iffy for me.

CDP removes those posts and then someone has screencaps from that page pre-removal and now CDP is in deep shit with accusations of censorship. Leaving those mod posts up is better play, it's more honest.

 

[The Lone Courier]

Why wouldn't GMG state which 3rd party they bought copies from?

Still seems a bit fishy.

They probably don't want to get their supplier in trouble.

 

[CarbonFire]

This. I'm a big CDPR and GoG fan but I don't like how they are behaving in this situation. If they don't want GMG undercutting them, then lower the bloody price of the game on GoG! It's their own game so they can name their price, within reason.

Since they are self publishing and selling those keys to other digital retailers, they probably have deals with all those other retailers to NOT undercut the price. Why buy the game from the Humble Store, or Origin, or Uplay, or anywhere else when you can get it direct from the source for cheaper?

 

[whyreggielie]

GMG's CEO sent a response to PCGamesN:



Empasis mine, more at the link.

I'm buying from GMG. CDPR is getting their money either way, it just looks like they don't want someone who might price it lower than them to have access to the game. GMG telling them to bacsically fuck off and give it to us at a price like this is a consumer friendly practice in my book and I like supporting those companies whenever I can.

 

[DownWithTheShip]

Unfortunately GMG is being shit on due to irresponsible reporting.
GS was so desperate to be the first site to report this that they only went with half the story.

 

[boskee]

Yep this is all about CDPR trying to ensure more sales through Gog. That's pretty apparent.

Are you even reading this thread or just post random words? They sell through numerous other outlets.

Except that the game is also digitally available through Steam, Origin, Uplay, Humble, Gamespot, Amazon, and probably plenty of other outlets. So I don't necessarily buy that as the reason CDPR decided not to sell through GMG.

 

[CambriaRising]

They probably don't want to get their supplier in trouble.

If there is a risk of "trouble", they shouldn't be doing it.

 

[The Cowboy]

CDP removes those posts and then someone has screencaps from that page pre-removal and now CDP is in deep shit with accusations of censorship. Leaving those mod posts up is better play, it's more honest.

Never thought of it like that, point taken.

 

[UpDownLeftRight]

Are moderators employed by CDP and representatives of CDP? Do we even know?

Most forums, even very huge and official forum for EA games [closed since by EA], are ran by volunteers whose personal statements aren't representing official line of e.g. EA. Mod comes ex mod very fast if he spills some seriously bad shit while having mod tags on.

Fair enough and good point. I don't really venture into enough forums from developers so it never really occurred to me that it could be voluntary work. This whole thing has become one massive mess though. I guess we can always rely on the press to take things to the next level with selective wording.

 

[Yokai]

Maybe they don't want to reveal their suppliers for competitive/business reasons. Maybe they don't want the supplier of the codes to get bad press for simply selling them goods. Who knows?

If they're legitimate, then that shouldn't be a concern.

I'm just saying people should probably wait until the source of the product can be verified. As of right now, CDPR is still correct: GMG has acquired the game copies from an unverified supplier and people should be careful.

 

[Wickerbasket]

This what we don't know and it hasn't been clarified which makes the posts stating how shitty CDPR ridiculous.

Well, here are the facts we know:
CDPR refused to sell GMG keys
GMG therefore couldn't offer the game to their customers
GMG has obtained keys from an unknown origin

Now, the starting point of this whole issue is that CDPR refused to sell GMG keys. Without knowing what the issue is, it's hard to place blame. Maybe CDPR has a legitimate reason for not selling GMG keys, but I imagine that if they had we would have heard it by now.

The only problem facing consumers now is that we don't know where GMG got the keys until GMG tells us. Even a simple 'they're legitimate keys' would be enough to soothe minds.

 

[HowZatOZ]

They're intentionally trying to drive people to buy from their service rather than a competitor's through innuendo. As far as I can tell GMG is a totally legitimate site.

And that's up to the reader to interpret, but so far CDPR haven't said anything outside of what I mentioned.

 

[iNvid02]

^^ the disagreement on pricing theory sounds probable, everywhere else has no qualms offering it at RRP, while GMG loves a nice discount from day one.
CDP see the witcher 3 launch as the single best opportunity to shine the spotlight on GOG, if they're being undercut by others then it takes the shine off a little, even if they are all GOG keys.

now we wait and see to find out where GMG sourced those keys from, because if they got them from someone unauthorized then its definitely going to hurt their credibility, not to mention publisher relations

Well they can't very well target steam, origin, or uplay , GMG was probably seen as an easy target.

nah they could probably target uplay lol. but its likely they didnt want to be undercut, and GMG refused to agree to those terms.

 

[Fiercedeity]

Are you even reading this thread or just post random words? They sell through numerous other outlets.

Well they can't very well target steam, origin, or uplay , GMG was probably seen as an easy target.

 

[Grief.exe]

I expect this kind of reporting from Polygon, Gamespot should be embarrassed.

 

[TheSlySoul]

Unfortunately GMG is being shit on due to irresponsible reporting.
GS was so desperate to be the first site to report this that they only went with half the story.

Games journalism at its finest.
Like when Destructoid used a Reddit post as proof of something that did not actually happen.

Also while the price theory sounds nice, it seems they were not even in negotiations. Seems they did not want GMG to sell it at all, even if they got good profit per game.

 

[JakeD]

Are you even reading this thread or just post random words? They sell through numerous other outlets.

none of those sites are selling the game for cheaper than gog though, which they knew GMG would have.

 

[boskee]

If they're legitimate, then that shouldn't be a concern.

I'm just saying people should probably wait until the source of the product can be verified. As of right now, CDPR is still correct: GMG has acquired the game copies from an unverified supplier and people should be careful.

Exactly. It also makes GMG shady as hell and invalidates their whole "authorized reseller" claims. If they're buying through a legitimate source and selling with a loss then there's absolutely 0 reason to hold that information off from CDPR (they don't have to tell the public for business reasons). If CDPR then pursued the authorized reseller for dealing with GMG then it would be a big no-no and anti-consumerist practice.

Well they can't very well target steam, origin, or uplay , GMG was probably seen as an easy target.

They are not complaining about Humble Bundle.

 

[Corronchilejano]

Because guess who gets angry emails when someone is sold a key that doesn't work...

The retailer. Like, 99% of the time.

They asked GMG where did they get those keys from and were ignored.

So, this is no misunderstanding. CDPR went full on attack against GMG.

 

[Squishy3]

Unfortunately GMG is being shit on due to irresponsible reporting.
GS was so desperate to be the first site to report this that they only went with half the story.

And the article also didn't even have a "We have reached out to GMG for comment but they have not responded at the time this article was published."

If the codes GMG is selling for Witcher 3 are rendered invalid by CDProjekt... that's gonna be a shitstorm, because what good reason is there for GMG to not be allowed to sell Witcher 3 keys while Origin, uPlay (What market research even is there to support people would buy The Witcher 3 on uPlay?) and Steam?

 

[Linearskillz]

I did.



That merely states that they don't know the origin of the keys and ask people to hold off buying from GMG until they clarify. Again, doesn't require any proof and is not an accusation.

Going so far as getting in touch with Gamespot and telling people not to buy from a GMG because the keys are from an "unknown source" seems like a pretty clear accusation that they think the keys are somehow illegitimate. As well as GS saying that CDPR gets no profit from keys sold (it's unclear if those are GS's or CDPR's words). We, on GAF at least, are likely trained by now to associate "unknown source" to sketchy sites like G2A/Kinguin.

So prove to me they are not legit keys. Did they steal them off a truck? Use fraudulent credit cards? Somehow I doubt it.

The reality of the situation is that most of this is Gamespot's fault and now CDPR and GMG need to clean up the mess.

 

[shandy706]

Kind of glad I only paid $20 for the game.

 

[boskee]

So, this is no misunderstanding. CDPR went full on attack against GMG.

Jesus wept.

1. Ask GMG where did they get their keys from.
2. Get ignored.
3. Advise customers that the keys are of an unknown origin and suggest they hold off buying them.

That somehow becomes a full on attack.

 

[Bubbavelli]

Can you use that additional promo code on gmg too? That discount is crazy if so

 

[whyreggielie]

The only problem facing consumers now is that we don't know where GMG got the keys until GMG tells us. Even a simple 'they're legitimate keys' would be enough to soothe minds.

They did say that

To do this, we reached out to third parties and retailers that were approved by CDPR, to legitimately pass these keys onto our customers.

 

[The Cowboy]

Jesus wept.

1. Ask GMG where did they get their keys from.
2. Get ignored.
3. Advise customers that the keys are of an unknown origin and suggest they hold off buying them.

That somehow becomes a full on attack.

Are you people drunk?

i have to ask (i can't seem to see it), when did CDPR ask GMG for the info?, you make it sound like it was days ago - was it not just a few hours ago?.

 

[boskee]

i have to ask (i can't seem to see it), when did CDPR ask GMG for the info?, you make it sound like it was days ago - was it not just a few hours ago?.

We have worked with GMG in the past for w2 and they were a legit partner.
We control all digital and the codes, and because we decided not to sell Keys to GMG it came as a suprise that they are doing a special promo without buying Keys from us. We have reach out to ask for the source of they Keys but up until now there was no response.

http://forums.cdprojektred.com/threads/35436-Witcher-3-35-off?p=1635264&viewfull=1#post1635264

Time period isn't specified.

 

[Wickerbasket]

They did say that

Ah, I missed that, thanks.

I don't see the issue with GMG selling the keys then.

Hopefully the reason for CDPR refusing to sell them keys will come out.

 

[lordfuzzybutt]

Are moderators employed by CDP and representatives of CDP? Do we even know?

Most forums, even very huge and official forum for EA games [closed since by EA], are ran by volunteers whose personal statements aren't representing official line of e.g. EA. Mod comes ex mod very fast if he spills some seriously bad shit while having mod tags on.

I am a long time member there and I can confirm that the mods are in no way working for cdp. They are volunteers, unpaid and in no way represent cdp.

GuyNwah, the mod who stated that is a very respected person. His statement is wrong but it seems like it is mistake. Even the official cdp member corrected that gmg is legit.

 

[Faustek]

I expect this kind of reporting from Polygon, Gamespot should be embarrassed.

This isn't funny....But I'm actually laughing

 

[indigo-cyclops]

Ah, I missed that, thanks.

I don't see the issue with GMG selling the keys then.

Hopefully the reason for CDPR refusing to sell them keys will come out.

Most likely they figured GMG would offer a lower cost than GOG.

 

[TheSlySoul]

They did say that

Yeah, the codes are legit, but not direct from the publisher.
Seems GMG felt the need to make an except and get keys from a middle man.

Although you would think if CDPR really wanted to know, they would buy a key from GMG and trace it on their vendor log. No need to ask GMG then...
But nah, go let Gamespot publish slander.

 

[Tovarisc]

i have to ask (i can't seem to see it), when did CDPR ask GMG for the info?, you make it sound like it was days ago - was it not just a few hours ago?.

"We have reach out to ask for the source of they Keys but up until now there was no response."
http://forums.cdprojektred.com/threads/35436-Witcher-3-35-off?p=1635264&viewfull=1#post1635264

 

[Corronchilejano]

Jesus wept.

1. Ask GMG where did they get their keys from.
2. Get ignored.
3. Advise customers that the keys are of an unknown origin and suggest they hold off buying them.

That somehow becomes a full on attack.

1. GMG has always been a legitimate business.
2. GMG already claimed the keys come from an authorized source and they're taking a loss in order to provide a discount.

Telling your customers not to buy keys from a business that has never had any problems with its clients (nor any publisher) because you're not sure how your product got to their hands is an attack.

I don't know if it violates any law somewhere though, I'm no law scientist.

 

[family_guy]

Doesn't matter to me. I wouldn't ask questions about the source of merchandise at a garage sale. The transaction between GMG and the consumer isn't illegal and the keys didn't generate out of thin air, so CPDR were paid at some point.

 

[Omega]

I'm no law scientist.

aren't they called lawyers..?

 

[Corronchilejano]

aren't they called lawyers..?

I'm not a language scientist either.

 

[RipperGrim]

Well, here are the facts we know:
CDPR refused to sell GMG keys
GMG therefore couldn't offer the game to their customers
GMG has obtained keys from an unknown origin

Now, the starting point of this whole issue is that CDPR refused to sell GMG keys. Without knowing what the issue is, it's hard to place blame. Maybe CDPR has a legitimate reason for not selling GMG keys, but I imagine that if they had we would have heard it by now.

The only problem facing consumers now is that we don't know where GMG got the keys until GMG tells us. Even a simple 'they're legitimate keys' would be enough to soothe minds.

Which is exactly why CDPR said what they did. As for the reason why they weren't dealing with GMG we will most probably not find out because that's the kind of thing discussed behind closed doors. People were preaching at the start of this thread to not jump to conclusions when we don't know anything and I don't know why that seems to have been forgotten now when we still don't actually know everything.

 

[Vamphuntr]

Yeah, the codes are legit, but not direct from the publisher.
Seems GMG felt the need to make an except and get keys from a middle man.

Although you would think if CDPR really wanted to know, they would buy a key from GMG and trace it on their vendor log. No need to ask GMG then...
But nah, go let Gamespot publish slander.

This is what I was wondering. They can actually know where the keys are from by buying one, right? GMG has always been legit before so I doubt they are doing anything illegal here. The pricing theory is probably the best one far.

 

[Buggy Loop]

The thread desperately need a title update, GMG doesnt need bad press from lurkers that dont bother to read all the thread but memorise the thread title.

 

[shandy706]

I'm not a language scientist either.

It's pretty obvious Gamespot aren't Rocket Surgeons too after this mess.

 

[boskee]

Yeah, the codes are legit, but not direct from the publisher.
Seems GMG felt the need to make an except and get keys from a middle man.

Although you would think if CDPR really wanted to know, they would buy a key from GMG and trace it on their vendor log. No need to ask GMG then...
But nah, go let Gamespot publish slander.

you have been in this thread since the beginning and you fail to realise that the gmg keys won't be sent out until the release day. that's some selective reading.

2. GMG already claimed the keys come from an authorized source and they're taking a loss in order to provide a discount.

Yes, after CDPR advised customers to hold off from buying keys whose origin was kept secret from CDPR. That's a huge warning sign and they did the right thing telling people they don't know the origin of what GMG is selling.

 

[TheSlySoul]

This is what I was wondering. They can actually know where the keys are from by buying one, right? GMG has always been legit before so I doubt they are doing anything illegal here. The pricing theory is probably the best one far.

Yeah, buying your own product is not illegal. I seen developers of Humble Bundle buying their own games.
At least it is less shady than making fake accounts and giving your product a good score which EA has done before.

I would have done that first after no response...

you have been in this thread since the beginning and you fail to realise that the gmg keys won't be sent out until the release day. that's some selective reading.

I thought keys were already being given out, forgive me if I do not care about another western RPG release.

 

[lordfuzzybutt]

Most likely they figured GMG would offer a lower cost than GOG.

Yep, most likely this imo.

1. GMG has always been a legitimate business.
2. GMG already claimed the keys come from an authorized source and they're taking a loss in order to provide a discount.

Telling your customers not to buy keys from a business that has never had any problems with its clients (nor any publisher) because you're not sure how your product got to their hands is an attack.

I don't know if it violates any law somewhere though, I'm no law scientist.

You seem to be an attack scientist though.

 

[Tovarisc]

The thread desperately need a title update, GMG doesnt need bad press from lurkers that dont bother to read all the thread but memorise the thread title.

Title and contents of OP post needs some tweaking. Neither represents known facts in their full form. Shame that OP is on mobile.

 

[Squishy3]

I sure do love that the thread is locked on the forums so I can't even ask what the reasoning is that they won't provide keys to GMG directly, but they will provide keys to Origin and uPlay, both of which PC gamers responded extremely negatively to, excluding the VPN workarounds to get games for extremely cheap. I'm sure if I posted a thread asking it would get locked with a non-answer, as well.

Origin I can understand, but uPlay? What savvy PC gamer is going to buy The Witcher 3 on uPlay when GOG and Steam are options, and provide discounts if you own Witcher 1 or 2 when there's no mention of the same deal on uPlay, despite uPlay having both games?

uPlay does offer incentives, like a choice of 4 games and you get a free copy of Neverwinter Nights, but still. It's fucking uPlay.

 

[erawsd]

The thread desperately need a title update, GMG doesnt need bad press from lurkers that dont bother to read all the thread but memorise the thread title.

Well, the title is still accurate. Its still an unknown source, which goes against GMG policy of only dealing with publishers directly. So its something potential customers should be aware of.