Digital gaming platform GOG, widely recognized for its collection of classic and DRM-free titles, is entering a new phase as original co-founder Michal Kicinski acquires the company from CD Projekt Red. Fans of old-school gaming, accustomed to tracking down ‘90s shooters and hard-to-find titles on the storefront, can expect the core philosophy and user experience to remain the same. GOG leaders, including Kicinski, have underscored plans to preserve user freedom and control over game ownership, while outlining ambitious goals for expanding the platform’s retro game offerings. This transition reintroduces familiar leadership, aiming to reinforce the platform’s foundational mission while opening the door to future growth in the classic games space.
Reports from recent years have highlighted GOG’s challenges, ranging from competition with major outlets like Steam and Epic Games, to questions about profitability and market share. Earlier updates often focused on system improvements or DRM policies, with little mention of sweeping strategic shifts. This ownership update marks a significant moment for the storefront, as it blends continuity in management philosophy with hints of renewed focus on classic gaming preservation and possible new business ventures. Unlike prior statements that simply reassured customers about platform stability, current messaging also foreshadows more aggressive classic game rescue initiatives and possible expansion of in-house preservation capabilities.
What Are GOG’s Immediate Plans Under New Ownership?
In the short term, users will see no alteration in their libraries or game availability. The company emphasized its commitment to existing values and assured customers of continued stability. Kicinski reflected on GOG’s guiding vision, stating,
“We want to do more to preserve the classics of the past, celebrate standout games of today, and help shape the classics of tomorrow, including new games with real retro spirit.”
This message builds on GOG’s established identity as a home for a diverse catalog of DRM-free games spanning decades.
Will GOG’s Relationship With CD Projekt Red Change?
Despite the change in ownership, GOG will maintain its collaboration with CD Projekt Red. This ongoing relationship ensures that major titles, including forthcoming releases like The Witcher 4, remain equally accessible to GOG users. CD Projekt Red’s arrangement with Epic Games does not preclude titles from appearing on GOG, offering stability for users who value platform choice and ownership rights.
Can GOG Serve Developers Excluded by Other Stores?
GOG is signaling openness to games not embraced by competing platforms, following recent high-profile rejections on Steam and Epic Games involving controversial content. Notably, the platform accepted the psychological horror game Horses after bans elsewhere, and the title quickly became a top seller. Kicinski highlighted GOG’s continuing dedication to inclusivity, commenting,
“This new chapter is about doubling down on that vision.”
This approach may attract indie or unconventional developers, strengthening GOG’s position as a venue for outsider and niche titles.
GOG’s latest ownership transition appears to be as much about preservation and continuity as it is about fresh growth. By remaining steadfast in its commitment to DRM-free classics and broad accessibility, the storefront may attract both nostalgic gamers and developers seeking independent distribution. Previous coverage predominantly addressed platform reliability and library updates, but this new direction is characterized by more active efforts to preserve gaming history and accommodate content excluded from mainstream platforms. As the company hints at ambitious preservation campaigns through its in-house Windows compatibility efforts and future classic “rescue missions” in 2026 and 2027, users can expect more accessible retro experiences and possibly unique titles that otherwise lack a marketplace. For enthusiasts and industry observers, monitoring how GOG balances tradition with expansion will offer insight into the evolving landscape for digital gaming platforms.
