Play-by-email version of The Witcher open beta and release date announced

by: Randy - posted: 3/31/2008 11:05:00 PM

While the early buzz around The Witcher solidified its media-darling status before it even had a publisher, perhaps less expected was a spin-off to that world in the form of The Witcher: DuelMail.  In response to the unbearably long and frequent load screens, developer CD Projekt RED just went ahead and licensed a play-by-email version of their game.  Just kidding.  Sort of.  A group called one2tribe is actually responsible for the play-by-email version, where you select one of three varied character classes, set up a queue of attacks, spells, etc., then shoot off the email at an opponent, as that opponent then sets up a counter-queue of attacks, spells, etc., both parties looking to be the last man standing.  No word if a semi-nude trading card game is part of the payoff.  (Again, kidding.  Sort of.)  The open beta is planned for to start April 7th, and the final version is scheduled for a May 9th release this year.  Check out Vandalizm's blog for some pics, as well as a more in-depth scoop.

Engage in Deadly Battles in The Witcher: DuelMail

 

WARSAW, March 31 2008 – CD Projekt RED is very pleased to announce the launch of The Witcher: DuelMail closed beta, based on the company’s best-selling PC role-playing game, The Witcher. The Witcher: DuelMail is a completely free-of-charge next-gen web-browser game that offers depth seldom found in similar products.  The start of open beta is planned for April 7^th, with the final version scheduled for release on May 9^th.

 

The Witcher: DuelMail is centered around battles between two players digitally incarnated as one of three completely different character classes. Winning consecutive fights against other real-world people gains the player experience which allows them to advance to higher levels of character development, along with gaining new skills and items to use in combat. Players queue up attacks, magical spells and defensive maneuvers, then send their challenges to other players, who must create their own counter sequence in hopes of being the last one standing. In order to join, the game requires only a PC with an internet connection and a web browser with Flash installed.

 

What distinguishes The Witcher: DuelMail from a large number of similar Flash games is the high level quality throughout, which would usually be found in higher-budget products. The company responsible for The Witcher: DuelMail’s development, one2tribe Company, has been able to include spectacular battle visuals with high-quality animations created using motion-capture technology, as well as extraordinary special effects along with full sound implementation.

 

The Witcher: DuelMail is further distinguished by special events and regular updates that will keep the game alive and constantly expanding. Besides fighting for the top spot on the game’s ladders, top players can also expect to collect precious rewards in battle. To avoid feeling rampant loneliness, players can invite friends via e-mail in order to play together.