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[Salaadin]

How do we even know if the GMG keys are legit if there from a unknown source?

 

[Faustek]

GMG works with 2K, Ubisoft, Paradox, Digital Devolver, Indies, Codemasters, Bethesda, WB and many others and they never denied keys to GMG and then suddenly comes CDPR and denies them keys. Sorry but I can't see reasonable explanation if GMG statement is true.

Reasonable explanation is money.
CDPR didn't get enough per <insert quantity> so they decided to not sell it to them.

Happens all the time in Europe, retail side that is. We in I'm so used to mail, call or talk with them in-store that we want it so they at least consider it or orders me a copy from their daughter/parent/sibling company on the continent.

But seems shady that GMG got it from a third party.

Equally shady of CDPR to infer* that GMG had stolen keys if they got them legit from a authorised 3p seller.


*think I'm using it correctly? I imply they infer?

 

[CarbonFire]

Honestly think GMG probably would have been better off not trying to source these keys from a third party. Beyond whatever meager profits they will make on this game at such a discount, it creates bad blood between them and CDPR. It could change their perception among some of the public that they are merely a CD-key clearinghouse, rather than an authorized digital retailer (basically a glorified Ebay seller). It could also come back and bite them in the ass in later negotiations with other publishers if they see GMG resorting to this tactic here.

I don't think either side comes out smelling like roses on this one, though.

 

[Gren]

Hope everything GMG's done is legit. Several of my most recent pre-order purchases were made with them, & I'd like to continue to give them my business. Am interested to hear if there's more to this.

 

[TheSlySoul]

How do we even know if the GMG keys are legit if there from a unknown source?

CDPR knows the source, GMG knows the source, the problem is the middle man is keeping quiet.
The middle man is the shady one, ha ha.

 

[Linearskillz]

Thing is, GMG doesn't want to tell CDPR nor the public where it got the keys from and I don't know of ANY digital distributor of GOG keys outside of GOG. Do you?:

Yes, I do.

There are likely others.

 

[Draikin 2]

This is basically Draikin 2 saying that CDPR were calling the keys stolen. Even if they don't know where exactly the quotation marks start and end, making this kind of claim and stating it as a fact without verifying if GameSpot are actually quoting an official source is a really questionable move.

Fair enough, I see your point. The way it's quoted though does seem to attribute the claim to CD Projekt Red. If this is Gamespot stating something as a fact, despite it never being said, then the misinformation is actually coming from them and not CDPR. And actually, GameSpot did say it was CD Project RED who told them that:

Earlier today, CD Projekt RED told GameSpot it was getting "zero" revenue from these sales.

In any case, since we could indeed use some official statement, here's one from a Business Development Manager at CDPR:

Just a few words of explanation:

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. They might sell nVidia Keys (which are not to be sold but gifted with the nVidia promo), or they just bough Keys from gog just like a regular customer and now they resell them with a loss (we cannot prevent anyone from selling something).
They also list Bandai Namco as the published which is not true for w3 (namco is our box distributor in PAL), so GMG is not a CDPR partner for W3 but they still might sell Keys that will work.

This seems to indicate that GMG isn't doing anything illegal if they bought the games from GOG. Which is certainly not what the Gamespot article claims.

 

[Vicarious]

The price on GMG is lower than the price on GOG. That means they either bought the keys at a much lower price in another region or they're selling at a loss. Which do you think is more likely?

They are most likely selling at a loss, not a un herd of business move. However, most people still are not reading the actual quotes, just the poor spin Gamespots article put on this.

 

[Krakn3Dfx]

All I want to know is where GMG got those keys.

Because it baffles me they would sell The Witcher 3 while losing money for each key sold.

If they want people to know they'll always have the big games available on their site that people who buy games on GMG want, it makes total sense they would sell at cost or even take a small loss on each unit sold. If they don't have this game, they might not have other games going forward, and that's when people stop visiting your site.

 

[boskee]

Yes, I do.

There are likely others.

Thanks, I didn't know that Humble is selling them. That makes it even more interesting and puts the whole theory of evil CDPR trying to somehow monopolize sales to rest, because it's perfectly happy to sell GOG keys via HB but not through GMG.

 

[TheSlySoul]

Thanks, I didn't know that Humble is selling them. That makes it even more interesting and puts the whole theory of evil CDPR trying to somehow monopolize sales to rest, because it's perfectly happy to sell GOG keys via HB but not through GMG.

I do not think they are evil, but it is much like Nintendo trying to say people cannot record their games.
It is controlling for the sake of controlling.

 

[finley83]

GMG's CEO sent a response to PCGamesN:

“We believe that CDPR’s desire to support their own platform by working with retail outlets that would not conflict with their own is greater than that of meeting the demands of their audience, therefore we made the decision to indirectly secure the product and deliver it to our customers. To do this, we reached out to third parties and retailers that were approved by CDPR, to legitimately pass these keys onto our customers. This means that at some point, revenue has been passed directly onto CDPR, and any additional discount on the title is absorbed by us, as we want as many people enjoying The Witcher 3 as possible.”

Empasis mine, more at the link.

 

[Fiercedeity]

CDPR trying to start shit with GMG doesn't look too good on CDPR's part.

 

[Wickerbasket]

Why did they refuse to sell GMG keys? I think that would shine a lot on the situation, and without more info, it makes CDPR seem pretty scummy.

Sites like these can't afford to not have one of the biggest games of the year because it damages their brand in the mind of their customer. I wouldn't be surprised if they were eating the loss to ensure they kept up their brand image.

They really need to come out and say where they bought the keys from though.

 

[boskee]

I do not think they are evil, but it is much like Nintendo trying to say people cannot record their games.
It is controlling for the sake of controlling.

That's your assumption. Seeing that HB is selling keys and CDPR is happy with that suggests that there is an issue between GMG and CDPR that we don't know about.

 

[AwShucks]

You work at CDP and know their digital distribution contracts?

This is what gets me. People in this thread think they know what the contracts say or simply don't think there is a thing such as contracts.

I won't even hazard a guess as to what went on here. I'm not going to pretend I know the inner working of either business.

 

[Sora the Cat]

CDPR trying to start shit with GMG doesn't look too good on CDPR's part.

When did they try to "start shit"? Did I miss something?

 

[HowZatOZ]

CDPR trying to start shit with GMG doesn't look too good on CDPR's part.

They didn't start shit. All they have officially said is "we don't know where GMG's keys are from, be careful." The rest has been implied by the Gamespot article, which I fell victim for earlier on in the thread.

 

[Linearskillz]

Thanks, I didn't know that Humble is selling them. That makes it even more interesting and puts the whole theory of evil CDPR trying to somehow monopolize sales to rest, because it's perfectly happy to sell GOG keys via HB but not through GMG.

If completely possible that CDPR is trying to promote their own platform by offering the largest discount. GMG is known for having large discounts (and super tight margins), so maybe CDPR didn't want GMG having a 25% off coupon or VIP deal while GOG has 20% off for owners of the previous games.

There's really no way to know until either party comments further. If they even bother to comment at all. That being said the onus of proof is with CDPR - these are serious accusations. GMG has always been legit.

 

[Wickerbasket]

When did they try to "start shit"? Did I miss something?

Refuses to sell them keys, then get pissy when GMG unsurprisingly gets keys from somewhere else.

Probably annoyed that they're undercutting them as well.

Can't really blame GMG for trying to stay in business. I don't see anything wrong with it as long as they're not doing anything illegal.

 

[TheSlySoul]

GMG's CEO sent a response to PCGamesN:



Empasis mine, more at the link.

This makes me conflicted.
On the one hand I want to support them, on the other I don't want them to lose $11 for it.

Blacklisting GOG though.

That's your assumption. Seeing that HB is selling keys and CDPR is happy with that suggests that there is an issue between GMG and CDPR that we don't know about.

True. Would be nice if CDPR said why they did not want GMG selling their games. Neither side is 100% honest, but CDPR is looking bad saying they got no profit from the promotion. Plus urging people not to buy from them without getting the whole story.

 

[Intheflorsh]

They didn't start shit. All they have officially said is "we don't know where GMG's keys are from, be careful." The rest has been implied by the Gamespot article, which I fell victim for earlier on in the thread.

No, a CDPR member went so far as to ask people not to buy from GMG.

http://forums.cdprojektred.com/threads/35436-Witcher-3-35-off?p=1634844&viewfull=1

Edit: Actually, thinking about the statement in context, it's not hostile.

 

[boskee]

That being said the onus of proof is with CDPR - these are serious accusations. GMG has always been legit.

Proof of what? All CDPR said is that they don't know the source of those keys. That doesn't require any proof.

 

[Fiercedeity]

They didn't start shit. All they have officially said is "we don't know where GMG's keys are from, be careful." The rest has been implied by the Gamespot article, which I fell victim for earlier on in the thread.

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.

 

[UpDownLeftRight]

They didn't start shit. All they have officially said is "we don't know where GMG's keys are from, be careful." The rest has been implied by the Gamespot article, which I fell victim for earlier on in the thread.

Actually one of their moderators on their forum locked the thread where that started after leaving a last statement where he claimed GMG had previously been caught selling dodgy codes. Although it was clearly a mix up with another site, it's pretty hard to excuse.

 

[Linearskillz]

Proof of what? All CDPR said is that they don't know the source of those keys. That doesn't require any proof.

See the post above yours.

 

[Linkark07]

Thanks, I didn't know that Humble is selling them. That makes it even more interesting and puts the whole theory of evil CDPR trying to somehow monopolize sales to rest, because it's perfectly happy to sell GOG keys via HB but not through GMG.

Another one that is selling Witcher 3 is Nuuvem. And after the conversion to dollars, the game is like $30.

 

[Vamphuntr]

As long as GMG bought the keys or physical copies from a trusted reseller and are not selling promo or free keys I don't see the issue. If CDPR didn't want to sell them keys they have the right to acquire some legally and sell them to their customers.

 

[jackdoe]

If completely possible that CDPR is trying to promote their own platform by offering the largest discount. GMG is known for having large discounts (and super tight margins), so maybe CDPR didn't want GMG having a 25% off coupon or VIP deal while GOG has 20% off for owners of the previous games.

There's really no way to know until either party comments further. If they even bother to comment at all. That being said the onus of proof is with CDPR - these are serious accusations. GMG has always been legit.

That's the most likely reason. They want to be the cheapest option. GMG would have offered an equivalent discount without the pre-requisite of owning Witcher 1 and 2.

 

[diablos991]

Refuse to sell them keys, then get pissy when GMG unsurprisingly gets keys from somewhere else.

CDPR didn't get "pissy". They simply stated their concern that they didn't directly sell the keys to GMG and kindly asked fans to buy from approved sources until the origin of the keys was validated.

It's everybody else that is making it sound like CDPR is pissy here.

Sure this conversation should have happened behind the scenes between GMG and CDPR, but I suspect that conversation wasn't able happen due to one party not responding to the other which led to the more public approach.

 

[boskee]

See the post above yours.

I did.

I would kindly ask our fans no to buy via GMG at this time. We had not sold them Keys and dont know the origin of them.

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.

 

[Sora the Cat]

Refuse to sell them keys, then get pissy when GMG unsurprisingly gets keys from somewhere else.

Probably annoyed that they're undercutting them as well.

Get pissy? Are you even reading the quotes? They are fully right, the keys are still from an unknown source.

We have to wait for more information, I have the feeling we are missing something here.

 

[The Cowboy]

No, a CDPR member went so far as to ask people not to buy from GMG.

http://forums.cdprojektred.com/threads/35436-Witcher-3-35-off?p=1634844&viewfull=1

Edit: Actually, thinking about the statement in context, it's not that hostile.

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.

 

[impact]

Why wouldn't they give GMG keys? That alone makes me not want to buy it (wasn't going to day one anyway)

 

[Yokai]

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

Still seems a bit fishy.

 

[runnin_blue]

Refuses to sell them keys, then get pissy when GMG unsurprisingly gets keys from somewhere else.

Probably annoyed that they're undercutting them as well.

Can't really blame GMG for trying to stay in business. I don't see anything wrong with it as long as they're not doing anything illegal.

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.

 

[CarbonFire]

GMG's CEO sent a response to PCGamesN:

“We believe that CDPR’s desire to support their own platform by working with retail outlets that would not conflict with their own is greater than that of meeting the demands of their audience, therefore we made the decision to indirectly secure the product and deliver it to our customers. To do this, we reached out to third parties and retailers that were approved by CDPR, to legitimately pass these keys onto our customers. This means that at some point, revenue has been passed directly onto CDPR, and any additional discount on the title is absorbed by us, as we want as many people enjoying The Witcher 3 as possible.”

Empasis mine, more at the link.

So then I think then my theory is sound. GMG wanted to sell the game for cheaper than CDPR's mandated $53.99 (10% off preorder), because price is GMG's only differentiator. CDPR wouldn't budge, since it would undermine their efforts to sell directly from GOG and make more money on each sale, so no deal could be reached. Now here we are.

 

[TheSlySoul]

As long as GMG bought the keys or physical copies from a trusted reseller and are not selling promo or free keys I don't see the issue. If CDPR didn't want to sell them keys they have the right to acquire some legally and sell them to their customers.

Blacklist the authorized retailer who resold it, problem solved.
Do not accuse people of something illegal without proof.

 

[Corronchilejano]

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

Why would CDPR not go through the regular channels of asking GMG directly about that? Why make this such a public issue?

 

[RipperGrim]

As long as GMG bought the keys or physical copies from a trusted reseller and are not selling promo or free keys I don't see the issue. If CDPR didn't want to sell them keys they have the right to acquire some legally and sell them to their customers.

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

 

[Fiercedeity]

Blacklist the authorized retailer who resold it, problem solved.
Do not accuse people of something illegal without proof.

Exactly.

 

[Yokai]

Why would CDPR not go through the regular channels of asking GMG directly about that? Why make this such a public issue?

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

 

[boskee]

True. Would be nice if CDPR said why they did not want GMG selling their games. Neither side is 100% honest, but CDPR is looking bad saying they got no profit from the promotion. Plus urging people not to buy from them without getting the whole story.

It doesn't make them look but in the slightest. If the keys are of an unknown origin, chances are CDPR is not profiting from them. They asked GMG where did they get those keys from and were ignored. Telling people to hold off from buying CD keys of an unknown origin, after reseller cold shouldered them is what every responsible company SHOULD do.

Why would CDPR not go through the regular channels of asking GMG directly about that? Why make this such a public issue?

They did and were ignored.

 

[Vicarious]

Actually one of their moderators on their forum locked the thread where that started after leaving a last statement where he claimed GMG had previously been caught selling dodgy codes. Although it was clearly a mix up with another site, it's pretty hard to excuse.

A Mod made a statement, then a member of CDPR closed the thread.

 

[Tovarisc]

Actually one of their moderators on their forum locked the thread where that started after leaving a last statement where he claimed GMG had previously been caught selling dodgy codes. Although it was clearly a mix up with another site, it's pretty hard to excuse.

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.

 

[Buggy Loop]

If GMG is getting it legit and offered the huge discount at their loss, then they really rock.

 

[Bony Manifesto]

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

Still seems a bit fishy.

Because once they find out who it is (though I presume it's more than one source) CDPR are obviously not going to give them any keys.

 

[Stiler]

Seems strange that they'd sell to uplay, origin, steam, etc but not gmg.

Especially when gmg offered to even discuss the deal in-person on top of sending the money even before they got keys.

 

[Faustek]

CDPR knows the source, GMG knows the source, the problem is the middle man is keeping quiet.
The middle man is the shady one, ha ha.

GMG's CEO sent a response to PCGamesN:



Empasis mine, more at the link.

Yepp. We're done.

 

[runnin_blue]

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

Still seems a bit fishy.

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?