It seems CD Projekt’s DRM-free store also removes Hitman GOTY Edition reviews from under the game’s store page…

Hitman Game of the Year Edition launched a few days ago on GOG. The first part of Agent 47’s reboot trilogy was initially available in an episodic format due to Square Enix. Still, since then, IO Interactive became independent, regaining the Hitman IP’s rights in the process, allowing them to release a complete version of the first chapter in the World of Assassination trilogy. But there’s a slight problem.

If you look at the game’s GOG page, you’ll notice how low the user reviews are: on a five-star scale, the game is at a measly 1.4 stars. The game isn’t bad, but the users gave Hitman GOTY Edition a negative review for technical reasons, a good reason. The game’s listing claims: “DRM FREE. No activation or online connection required to play.” Technically, it is true…

But now, it also has a disclaimer: “Please note: Internet connection is required to access Escalation missions, Elusive Targets or user-created Contracts. Story and bonus missions can be played offline.” The problem is that the game launched without having this disclaimer, which doesn’t mention that you need to be online to unlock new equipment and starting locations, get scored on your mission, and level up your location mastery.

The GOG staff responded to the situation on its forums: “Dear GOG community! Thank you for bringing this topic to our attention. We’re looking into it and will be updating you in the coming weeks. If you have purchased HITMAN and are not satisfied with the released version, you can use your right to refund the game. At the same time, while we’re open for fruitful discussion and feedback, we will not tolerate review bombing and will be removing posts that do not follow our review guidelines.”

But there’s ANOTHER issue here! Another forum post cites the Q&A regarding the review guidelines: “Q: Can I write a negative review? A: Yes. If you are unsatisfied with the game (e.g. the gameplay, graphics, in-game mechanics and features), you are free to write a review and share your opinion with other GOG users as to why you do not recommend it.” And if someone points out that the game isn’t necessarily DRM free (it would be if the game would be available altogether OFFLINE!), that shouldn’t necessarily be called review bombing.

The games’ technical aspects’ discussion should be allowed. If a game has DRM and isn’t clearly and concisely listed on Steam (a prime example would be the F1 series since 2016: not a single game claims that they have Denuvo Anti-Tamper), then that should be considered a valid critique. Even if the DRM is still in the game years after its launch because by that point, using the technology TAKES money away…

Source: GOG,