Witcher dev: The game counts, not the money

CD Projekt Red CEO Marcin Iwinski has spoken out regarding the business of making games. In an interview with Rock, Paper, Shotgun, Iwinski said making money is important to the health of the studio, but it should not be put before gamers' best interests.

"But at the end of the day, the game [counts]--and not the money. Because the game will make the money if it’s good," Iwinski said.

He said some people believe it's the other way around; and in the short-term, from a business perspective, this makes sense. However, putting aspirations for money before game design could lead to gamers losing faith in the company, something Iwinski wants to avoid.

"I think it's in a way our trademark. People buy our games on day one because they trust us," Iwinski said. "And if we screw that up, it's the end of the story pretty much."

Elsewhere in the interview, Iwinski said downloadable content and updates for the PC version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will be free, while console pricing has yet to be determined.

"It's too early to talk specifics, but definitely all the DLCs and updates will be free," Iwinski said. "Of course, we'll see what the platform holders will allow--what we can do for free [on next-gen consoles]. I mean, there are different business models on consoles. From our standpoint, we'll definitely do everything we can to deliver the same experience across all platforms."

If CD Projekt Red decides to create "big" expansions for The Witcher 3, the studio will charge gamers an "honest and fair" price for the content, Iwinski said.

"But again, it's all value for money," he said. "I think $15-$20 for new gameplay is a pretty honest and fair deal. But additional weapons and fixes, those of course come as part of the package."

The Witcher 3 launches in 2014 for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.