‘Witcher 3’ suffers day 1 bugs

Published 5:19 pm Saturday, May 30, 2015

Dear reader, I would love to tell you all about “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.” It’s the latest game in the acclaimed “Witcher” series, which has become quite influential in the western RPG genre over the past few years.

It would be my pleasure to tell you all about this, but I can’t. My copy doesn’t work.

From what I understand, “The Witcher 3” is an incredible entry into the RPG genre with a vast world to explore, filled with eastern European lore, lots of adventures, and even a few bawdy sexual trysts. As Geralt of Rivia, the eponymous witcher and protagonist of the series, players will go around the countryside slaying monsters, dabbling in continental politics and even solving an otherworldly crisis or two.

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That sounds like a fun game to play. I can’t play it yet. My copy doesn’t work.

As many gamers are no doubt aware, most heavily promoted games are released with a few bugs and glitches, which are usually patched within the first few days of the game’s market date. This often creates frustration for thousands of gamers who paid to play a game, but are left with useless software for a time.

“The Witcher 3,” like many open-world RPGs, is no exception to this.

Gamers found a frustrating glitch right away in “The Witcher 3.” Many reportedly couldn’t get past a ridiculously long loading screen for the game’s opening cinematics, which can’t be skipped. In addition, players have reportedly waited 15 minutes or more to actually get into the game’s tutorial, which also can’t really be skipped.

I waited 30 minutes before I shut off my Playstation 4.

At least I’m playing this game on a PS4, however. Gamers on the Xbox One have reportedly had issues with the game corrupting save files, which is a tough bug to fix for a game that automatically saves at various points.

Developer CD Projekt RED has promised patches to the game soon. The company has already delivered a patch to its PC version, but the console patches have yet to be released in North America as of Wednesday morning.

This is a frustrating turn of events for many gamers who wanted to enjoy this highly anticipated game. Though there are plenty of players who are already enjoying what looks to be a fantastic game, other players are stuck with a product that doesn’t properly function.

This is becoming more commonplace in the gaming industry, unfortunately. And it doesn’t look to change any time soon.

I’d love to say otherwise, but I can’t. My copy doesn’t work.