The Witcher 2: "Half our players didn't realise" there were multiple paths

The Witcher 2 developers CD Projekt Red suspect around half the game’s players didn’t realise the story branched for the second act, and say this was a failure of design.

[da_2pacalypse]

I don't think there is a design problem... Witcher was a very mature game that required the player to pay attention to the story in order to make the correct decisions. If somebody missed the fact that the story branched in act 2, they likely just weren't paying any attention.

[Irishguy95]

You have to speak to Iorvath and Roach before you realize, I didn't know the actual game would branch off, we just don't get it anymore/ Story would change? Sure...the location? Nope. No idea how this is a game design fault, this is what made it so good. You make a big choice and it affects your play through. My first play through will always be 'my' Cannon one.

[RankFTW]

It's pretty obvious tbh. This isn't a failure of design but instead a failure of the brain if you didn't realise.

[MilkMan]

Game is EXCELLENT as is.
But if they can find a way to make it even better, then go for it.
Just don't water it down. Please.

[Mythicninja]

Failure or not, it is very cool that CDprojekt owns up to potential mistakes of theirs (I'm looking at you bioware). CD projekt red has my respect

[vikingland1]

I research a game before I buy. I knew there were different endings so that would mean making different choices. Consumers should do research before buying I think.

[Laxman]

That ruins so much of the surprise and joy of a story. I feel sorry for you if you do that with all your games (or at least RPGs).

[Jdoki]

I don't think they should sign post it in the game, but nothing wrong with adding a screen after the credits to inform the player that there were multiple paths.

[R_aVe_N]

IMO one of the best Dev's this gen. Really loved The Witcher 2 and looking forward to their new Cyberpunk RPG.

[Somebody]

I already knew it will have multiple paths since they told everyone about this when promoting the game before launching the PC version. Of course, the Premium Edition that I bought came with a walkthrough book from the developer themselves so that did help a bit. No need to wait for some after market guide book or fan-made walkthrough online.

[Th3 Chr0nic]

I understand what he means from a design standpoint. you want to be as accessible as possible to the majority of the audience. subtle changes could have made it more obvious to most people. BUT i do think maybe they are being a bit hard on themselves, it isnt that bad really. however they seem to be a very passionate studio and that has to earn a lot of respect.

[Nate-Dog]

I don't think it's a massive issue but I get what they mean. If you completed the second-last mission of the first Act and didn't check your Quest menu you wouldn't realise that there's a choice to be made, since it puts you on the Iorveth path straight away I believe (as opposed to not having you tied to either mission or to the one saying "talk to either Roche or Iorveth). But still you'd expect most people to have a look and check themselves.