The Witcher 3 $39 codes provoke spat between CD Projekt Red and digital retailer

The Witcher 3 is the subject of an interesting back and forth between developer CD Projekt RED and retailer Green Man Gaming.

Green Man Gaming is offering The Witcher 3 pre-orders for $39, a pretty breathtaking discount on a new release title that otherwise goes for $60.

The price is so low, in fact, that even CD Projekt RED doesn't believe it. Speaking to Gamespot, a representative said that the studio doesn't know where Green Man Gaming got the codes, and that no revenue from the sale would go into its pockets.

Following up on the company's forums, CD Projekt business development manager Rafał Jaki said the company had not sold any keys to Green Man Gaming and asked fans not to purchase from the retailer.

Green Man Gaming was quick to defend itself, telling Gamespot that its keys are indeed legitimate, but purchased from another party after CD Projekt failed to strike a deal directly with the retailer.

"Following a six-month dialogue with [CD Projekt RED] about the launch of The Witcher 3, we were disappointed that despite the offer of significant cash advances, and other opportunities to officially work together, CDPR chose not to engage with a number of significant, reputable, and successful retailers, including ourselves, as they instead focused on supporting their own platform GOG," Green Man Gaming CEO Paul Sulyok said.

Sulyok said Green Man Gaming acquired its keys from other third parties and retailers who did manage to secure deals with CD Projekt, so the developer is getting paid for its work. In fact, Green Man Gaming itself is sacrificing its own profit margins to offer a competitive price - presumably because attracting a loyal audience is super important for independent retailers.

Goodness me, what a drama. How will CD Projekt respond? Where's that popcorn eating GIF we all like so much.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt comes to PC, PS4 and Xbox One on May 19.