Soccer star Robert Lewandowski is now promoting the key-selling platform G2A. This platform is not particularly popular among game developers. There has been criticism from the studio behind Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3.
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, for developers, the platform is a nuisance because the origin of the keys is often unclear.
A developer even once urged to download games illegally rather than buying them from G2A.
Due to this dubious reputation, G2A often seems particularly keen on maintaining a good, clean image – for instance, by having prominent figures promote it. On May 22, 2024, G2A announced its latest brand ambassador, the well-known soccer player Robert Lewandowski (via YouTube).
On G2A’s website, the face of the Barcelona player is prominently featured, along with a selection of his alleged favorites, which can conveniently be purchased directly on the platform. This has garnered criticism from an employee of CD Projekt, the makers of The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077.
Employee advises buying games from authorized sources
Who is criticizing this? Jan Rosner, the VP of Business Development at CD Projekt, criticized in a post on his personal X account that a world-class soccer player like Lewandowski is promoting such a platform. This makes him sad.
G2A is a marketplace that is known for listing unlawful game keys, according to Rosner. Moreover, accounts from Steam and GOG are traded on the platform – a clear violation of their policies. In fact, Steam is quite strict in this regard – not even death is above the usage policies.
Rosner clarifies that CD Projekt has no partnership with G2A to distribute their titles there. He asks gamers to buy games only from authorized and verified sources. This is not only the best way to support your favorite studio or publisher but also ensures that you won’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 like Minecraft and Manor Lords. FIFA or EA FC 24 did not make it into the selection, but the Football Manager 2024 did.
True connoisseurs, of course, do not buy digital keys but rely on classic storage media for their illicit gaming experience. So does the German Twitch streamer HandOfBlood: “You were still liquid back then” – HandOfBlood plays FIFA 98 on a burned CD in the stream
