Update: CD Projekt RED has issued Eurogamer with a statement regarding the Xbox One exclusive content which you can read in full below.
"Looking at the heated comments, I believe that our announcement of the physical addition of two decks of Gwent cards and a cloth map, requires a further word from us.
"Here at CD Projekt Red, we always put gamers first. Our PC versions are released DRM-free, we bend over backwards to give you the most beefed up editions of our games (be it standard or Collector's), and we deliver the same game, regardless of platform or version you buy. Moreover, we promised not have any exclusive DLCs, neither per platform nor per retailer, and we do stand by our promise–nothing has changed, nor will change in this regard.
"Don't get me wrong, I do understand that these extra items might be desirable for Witcher fans playing the game on other platforms. However, as we are not offering any platform or retail exclusive DLCs or any other form of gameplay differentiation, we do have to find other ways to support our partners. We are also providing special pre-order items for certain retailers around the world, including Witcher comic books, posters, steel books or medallions. Funnily enough, we did not notice any heated comments on the pre-order specials.
"What is the reason? Why are we doing this? We need the support of partners to make our game visible worldwide. This should hopefully translate to better sales, which will in consequence allow us to do what we have been doing for the last 10 years, i.e. reinvest this money to make more great RPGs, while still sticking to our values.
"If you still consider that adding two decks of Gwent cards and a map of the in-game world to the Xbox One CE equals us betraying our values and not fulfilling our promises, well, it does make us sad, but the final call is always yours to make.
"Still, I do hope that what we offer is unique and we can ask you to give us the benefit of the doubt. We have more great things to announce for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in the coming months and I promise you won't be disappointed (yes, yes, there are no more exclusives coming)."
Original Story: CD Projekt RED has announced Gwent, a Hearthstone-like game, which will be exclusive to the Xbox One's Collector's Edition of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
The card game is designed as a competitive experience for two players who each have their own decks with battlefield units and spells. There will be four faction classes to play as and 150 cards in all.
A press release accompanying the announcement reads:
"Gwent is every adventurer’s first choice when it comes to one-on-one card-based dueling. Take risks and think on your feet, strategize and deliver cunning combos, use potent magic and mighty hero cards and be the last one standing on the field of honor!"
Aside from Gwent, those who opt for the Xbox One Collector's Edition of the game will also receive a cloth map in addition to content available on other systems.
Hearthstone's success has led to a surge in card games such as Assassin's Creed tie-in Memories and WWE Supercard.
In May, CD Projekt RED co-founder Marcin Iwinski commented:
“We are treating all gamers equally. We’ll not deliver exclusive content to any of the platforms, nor will we artificially delay release of the game on any of the platforms because somebody’s paying us money for that. It’s definitely against our values. We are not doing that.”
It seems that doesn't apply to these physical extras but it's good to know we shouldn't expect any platform specific content in-game. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is set for release on February 24th, 2015 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
