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The Witcher 3, renowned for its immersive storytelling and complex characters, also garnered fame for its addictive in-game card game, Gwent. Created by CD Projekt as a free-to-play spin-off, Gwent gained its own dedicated following. Surprisingly, CD Projekt has now announced that they will no longer manage the game. Instead, the community will take charge, marking a significant shift in how the game is operated and maintained. Evolution of Gwent: From Spin-off to Standalone Gwent initially debuted on October 23, 2018, for PC and was later introduced on various platforms including PS4, Xbox One, iOS, Android, and Mac. Its significance reached new heights when CD Projekt released a separate campaign-focused game named 'Thronebreaker' instead of solely concentrating on multiplayer features. During its peak popularity, a team comprising up to a hundred people was involved in the game’s maintenance and strategic decision-making. The End of An Era: What Prompted the Change According to CD Projekt, the decision to relinquish control over Gwent was not due to financial reasons. Rather, it was a creative impasse—the team felt they had exhausted all fresh ideas for new cards. The most recent update, version 11.10, is slated to be the final one managed by the company. Moving forward, the community will be responsible for the game's evolution. Community-led Management: A New Dawn for Gwent Interestingly, the most engaged players in the community will now have a say in the game’s direction. Specifically, those who have reached Prestige 1 or were active participants in the previous season will have the authority to adjust the power of cards on a monthly basis. Between 3 to 15 cards are expected to be altered each month, aiming for a more balanced gameplay experience. Unexpected Outcomes: Unintended Repercussions of the Shift The change in management came after CD Projekt laid off a significant portion of the team responsible for Gwent. However, this move did not discourage the player base. Instead, it motivated players to form a union, solidifying the community’s resolve to keep the game alive. Far from dissuading participation, the changes appear to have reinvigorated the Gwent community. Final Thoughts: A Model for Future Games? The transition of Gwent from a company-managed to a community-led game could serve as a precedent for other games facing similar challenges. While it remains to be seen how effective this new approach will be in the long term, it undoubtedly opens the door to an entirely new form of game management and community engagement. Also Read:

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Community Takes Over The Witcher’s Online Game Gwent