Football star Robert Lewandowski is now promoting the key selling platform G2A. This is not particularly popular with game developers. The studio behind Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 has been criticized.
What is the problem with G2A? G2A is a so-called key reseller through which users can purchase product keys for software, especially games, usually for little money. However, the platform is a nuisance for developers, as the origin of the keys is often unclear.
One developer even once suggested that people should download games illegally rather than buying them from G2A.
Because of this dubious reputation, G2A often seems to be particularly concerned about maintaining a good, clean image – for example, by having prominent figures advertise for them. On May 22, 2024, G2A announced its newest brand ambassador, the well-known footballer Robert Lewandowski (via YouTube).
The Barcelona player’s face is emblazoned on the G2A website, along with a selection of his alleged favorites, which can conveniently be purchased directly on the platform. This has been criticized by an employee of CD Projekt, the makers of The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077.
Cyberpunk 2077: How to find the Witcher Easter Egg
More videos
Autoplay
Employee advises to buy games from authorized sources
Who criticizes this? Jan Rosner, VP of Business Development at CD Projekt, criticizes in a post on his personal X-Account that a world-class footballer like Lewandowski is promoting such a platform. It makes him sad.
G2A is a marketplace that is known for listing illegal game keys, says Rosner. In addition, Steam and GOG accounts are traded on the platform – a clear violation of their guidelines. In fact, Steam is quite strict in this regard – not even death is above the terms of use.
Rosner makes it clear that CD Projekt does not have a partnership with G2A to distribute their titles there. He asks gamers to only buy games from authorized and verified sources. Not only is this the best way to support your favorite studio or publisher, you also don’t have to worry about the key being deactivated (via X).
By the way, Lewandowski’s favorites include sports and racing games as well as simulators, but also surprising titles such as Minecraft and Manor Lords. FIFA and EA FC 24 did not make it into the selection, but Football Manager 2024 did.
True connoisseurs don’t buy digital keys, of course, but rely on classic storage media for their illegitimate gaming experience. The German Twitch streamer HandOfBlood is one of them: “You were still liquid back then” – HandOfBlood plays FIFA 98 on a bootleg CD in the stream