CD Projekt Red has a track record of supporting its products well after release. The Witcher, which was generally well received by critics, had some disappointing load times, a clumsy inventory system, and some mistranslations from the original Polish script. Rather than moving onto its next project, CD Projekt Red developed The Witcher Enhanced Edition, which fixed all of these issues and added new animations and two new missions among other improvements. Applying the same efforts to the sequel, CD Projekt Red has announced its post-release plans for The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (review), which it has dubbed Version 2.0.Earlier this year, CD Projekt Red released a patch that resolved some gameplay and framerate issues, and also included free DLC. Version 2.0 looks to take a bigger jump with over 40 new technical and gameplay enhancements and will be available via automatic update to all existing and new users for free on September 29, 2011.

Adam Badowski, Studio Director of CD Projekt Red, had this to say about the update:

“We quite modestly called this new update 2.0, but while testing it, we have realized that this update is actually bigger than [the] Enhanced Edition known from our first game! So this is a major update not only for us, but also for all those who want to start their adventure with the game and for those who would like to play it again...

We promised to support our game after release and also bring new content for free. Version 2.0 is one of the steps to fulfill our promise...Around 1 million units sold worldwide and solid financial results are the best proof that that we have the right approach. You don’t need draconian DRM to have good sales and you don’t need costly DLC to have good financial results. You just need to treat you[r] customers fair, and you get not only financial results, but fans' admiration, which for us is absolutely priceless!”

With CD Projekt Red's approach to DRM and DLC, gamers will appreciate not having to purchase costly DLC or worry about having a constant internet connection in order to play the The Witcher 2. So what are some of the new features we will see in Version 2.0?

• New Tutorial System — A new, more comprehensive tutorial is designed as a separate part of the game and takes place in the Kingdom of Keadwen. The new Tutorial System gradually explains all gameplay mechanics and ensures that the start of the game will be a pleasant experience that has an easier learning curve.

• Special “Dark” difficulty setting - A new challenging difficulty setting that provides the ultimate challenge for players. On the “Dark” setting, The Witcher 2 is nearly as difficult as the “Insane” setting level, but will allow players to save the game. It also provides a powerful new set of dark-themed gear.

• Arena Mode - A completely new, arcade-style Arena Mode that allows you to hone your combat style and techniques against all the different opponents from the game as well as a new monster type, the Werewolf. Players will dispatch wave upon wave of increasingly more difficult enemies, earning awards that you can use to upgrade abilities, weapons and armor, and to test alchemy. Hirelings can assist you in battle for a price and a dynamic audience will respond to your progress. Thirty looping combat waves will continue until your character is defeated and players will then receive a statistical summary of their results, which can be shared with friends on the forums or Facebook.

To celebrate the release of Version 2.0, CD Projekt Red is offering a discount on the price of The Witcher 2. Until October 6, 2011, gamers will be able to purchase the title from Steam for $29.90 or GOG.com for $29.99. At that price, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better hardcore RPG experience.

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is currently available for Windows PC.