Friday, February 12th 2021
CD Projekt Red Hack: Red Engine, Multiple Games' Source Code Sold by Hackers
As if CD Projekt Red needed any more problems on their plate that weren't of their own creation, it seems that the hackers who recently infiltrated the company's infrastructure have turned out a profit on sensitive data. After source code for CD Projekt Red's Red Engine, Cyberpunk 2077, The Witcher 3, and Gwent were stolen from the company's servers, the company announced they had gone to the relevant authorities, and that they wouldn't negotiate with the data terrorists. Now, according to Cybersecurity company Kela, the hackers have de-listed their auction for the data - after requiring a starting bid of $1 million, and expecting $7 million for the entire package.
The deal apparently went through, with a condition that bars the hackers from re-selling the data to any other parties. It remains to be seen whether or not the thieves will abide by their word and the conditions reportedly set upon the sale. Of course, it is in the realm of possibility that CD Projekt Red themselves acquired the data anonymously so as to protect their corporate and technology interests - one can only imagine the repercussions of the company's efforts being exposed this way. And despite any ill sentiment that can be levied at the company for the state of Cyberpunk 2077's last-gen versions, I'd say that respect for the company's developers and team should have us all on their side on this one.
Sources:
Kela @ Twitter, via TechSpot
The deal apparently went through, with a condition that bars the hackers from re-selling the data to any other parties. It remains to be seen whether or not the thieves will abide by their word and the conditions reportedly set upon the sale. Of course, it is in the realm of possibility that CD Projekt Red themselves acquired the data anonymously so as to protect their corporate and technology interests - one can only imagine the repercussions of the company's efforts being exposed this way. And despite any ill sentiment that can be levied at the company for the state of Cyberpunk 2077's last-gen versions, I'd say that respect for the company's developers and team should have us all on their side on this one.
64 Comments on CD Projekt Red Hack: Red Engine, Multiple Games' Source Code Sold by Hackers
yeaaahhhhhh no, I dont even care about the last-gen versions, that is so beyond unacceptable its pathetic, all anyone had to do was start the game up 1 afternoon to figure out it was not ready for release but apperently that was too much work, better cash in on those pre-orders and dont release a new trailer that actually represented to lack of content it has, not even a shadow of the promisses.
Imagine though this being some eleborate scheme to create some sympathy by them being the victims and then have modders go ham on teh source code to fix the game for them, ez money for no effort.
We know that there was an auction but there's no evidence anyone actually bought it. Could just be these hackers trying to save face.
Unless the forensic team can track down the hackers and who bought the source code. We'll see more witcher like and mini games like gwent in some 4-6 years time from now after whoever has it has had time to deep dive into it and mine it for information.
Though Ive been told that the sale was made on the basis that the data wouldnt be traded or sold to anyone else be it an individual or corporation so it has to be kept private. The buyer could also make copies and sell it on again.
espionage happens. Just recently Intel opened a lawsuit against a former employee who used to work in their marketing department had access to a lot of sensitive information and data and sold it or attempted to sell it to microsoft or some other company.
I know its very cloak and dagger stuff but a lot happens and of course competitors want advantages over each other and the source code to one of the best games ever made will probably help them even if they dont copy and paste elements from it into their own game.
secondly, CDPR does not have a patent on whatever mechanics or features in Witcher games so even if similarities were to appear in games further on down the line. CDPR cant really sue for plagiarism.
Anyway, i am unaware if there were any contract that was signed that sealed the deal but either way, the code is out there.
In code they stole, the only thing i think is really valuable on those games is the NPC Artificial Intelligence and the Physics and it's not that interesting for Cyberpunk 2077, the very simple Npc AI is lackbuster, if someone stole Rockstar AI, that would be much more.
The code behind talent trees(incomplete :\ ), weapon gameplay, driving cars, the props, the buildings, it's all basic stuff for any Triple A game to be used for a future project.
There's also something i want to know, about this code,
Can the people who bought it make games based on the engine used for those games? or is the RedEngine 3 it's separate thing?
I'm asking because if it's the same thing then it's not only AI but visual graphic techniques that can also be used.
If I was CDPR I would just make sure there aren't glaring security holes and carry on.
go open an .exe in word and see how much sense you can make out of it
Good/Quality outcome? - No.
You can't compare cb 2077 to gta v.
GTA V was made in 4.5 or 5 years while cb 2077 was made in 8 years and was trash and is trash.
I don't mean to undermine anything, but source code useful for specific project only, unless buyer got some project "similar" and in line with Red Engine. Big player doens't want that, they have to spent extra time and effort for disassemble and debugging. Some indie games or small start up might interested, but then again most of them are focusing on mobile games.
They said they wouldn't negotiate and now the hackers are "prohibited" to make it public by a deal?
So they negotiated with them or not?
And is anyone so stupid to believe the hackers' word they wouldn't publish the data IF <something>?
Someone explain this to me because I honestly don't know what am I reading.