This weekend, footage of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt gameplay, as well as plot spoilers, leaked on the Internet, after the game went on sale early from one international retailer. However, in spite of that, the game has still sold 1 million copies through pre-orders worldwide.
The leaks came from the United Arab Emirates, thanks to an early sale of the game there from one particular retailer. The game isn't scheduled for release until May 19.
Of course, that meant that gameplay footage, as well as major plot spoilers, made its way online over the weekend, including a full playthrough on Twitch and various gameplay footage videos on YouTube.
Obviously, game developer CD Projekt Red isn't happy about the leaks and is now doing what it can to stop footage from getting out there. The company plans on actively locking threads discussing the leaked footage and plot details on game-related forums, as well as doing what it can to pull any videos of gameplay before its release date.
Twitch also plans on actively pulling any video related to the leak and warned gamers of posting any such content.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is not allowed for broadcasting until May 19, 2015. Broadcasting before this date is subject to DMCA guidelines.
— Twitch Support (@TwitchSupport) May 8, 2015
Meanwhile, though, the leaks don't seem to have affected sales. The game recently reached over 1 million pre-orders worldwide.
"We've crossed the 1 million pre-order milestone and it's all thanks to you guys! We would like to thank all the gamers for their trust and support," says Marcin Iwiński, CD Projekt Red co-founder, in a press release. "This is the last stretch and we're pushing hard -- over the last two weeks, we've increased performance on all platforms and started working full speed on the expansions, Hearts of Stone & Blood and Wine."
The Witcher 3 has also already received over 200 awards pre-launch and is CD Projekt Red's most ambitious game to date. The open world setting puts players back in the shoes of witch hunter, Geralt of Rivia, who is tracking down the Child of Prophecy, his most dangerous prey ever. CD Projekt Red is also releasing 16 free DLCs for everyone who owns a copy of the game.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt releases May 19 on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC.
[Photo Credit: CD Projekt Red]
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