Source

Witcher 3 soundtrack has apparently infringed on some music and is in the process of being removed. Are our purchases protected? Such as the game and goodies?

No, it hasn't apparently infringed.

Someone has *alleged* that it has infringed, but the composition they're claiming as copyrighted is based on a traditional folk tune which is common use. There is very little chance this will result in any action being taken.

It's like you recording "Row, Row, Row your Boat" and then complaining that I also recorded a similar-sounding song to use in something I published.

Stop with the sky is falling schtick.

It's about the arrangement (accompaniment, dynamics, etc...), not about the melody.
I've been a folk musician for years and know that problem all too well from both sides.

This track was already removed from the soundtrack last year:
https://www.gog.com/forum/general/the_what_did_just_update_thread/post18685

ASTERISK.

The situation is actually more complicated than it seems.

Ah, a fellow folky! Yeah, arrangement is definitely copyrightable even if the melody is traditional. Hence a lot of folk albums with track credits like Trad. Arr. Martin Carthy.

Looks like bullshit.

So does this mean they are going to censor some of the music out of Witcher 3 game similar to how they butchered Mafia 1's music with its GOG release?

By the way, I don't want to read a series of novel-esque post in old threads to try and decipher what is going on here. Can anyone post a Cliff notes version?

I thought that sounded a lot like the Pennsylvania Polka!

Good thing if you got yourself the CE (including the physical release of the soundtrack featuring the original tracklisting) back in 2015 then.

Or backed up the goodies/extras. I know i did, since the preorder ones came here.

That's not censorship by any means.