PC gaming platform GOG, long recognized as a Steam alternative for its "DRM-free" philosophy and commitment to game preservation, has officially announced its spin-off from parent company CD Projekt.
In an official announcement, GOG co-founder Michał Kiciński acquired the operating rights for the digital storefront and its integrated platform, GOG Galaxy, for $25.2 million. This move signals a new era for the platform, which has been operating for over fifteen years.
GOG affirmed that this ownership transfer will not alter its core value proposition, underscoring that its "DRM-free" philosophy remains more crucial than ever. The company reflected on the platform's origins in 2007, when Marcin Iwiński and Michał Kiciński conceived it to return classic games to players and guarantee permanent ownership of purchased titles, free from mandatory launchers or restrictive ecosystems.
Amid a PC gaming landscape increasingly defined by platform exclusivity, online verification, and live-service titles, GOG believes its foundational principles hold even greater contemporary significance.
The company noted that its newfound independence will allow GOG to significantly boost its investment in game preservation. This commitment extends beyond safeguarding past classics to promoting influential contemporary titles and even fostering new games that embody a "true retro spirit."
Notably, this spin-off does not sever the partnership between GOG and CD Projekt. Titles from CD Projekt, including "The Witcher" series and the acclaimed sci-fi epic "Cyberpunk 2077," will continue to be available on the platform, with future new releases also slated for GOG.
Industry observers widely believe that GOG's independence will allow it to sharpen its focus on its core mission, mitigating potential conflicts between major publishers' business strategies and the platform's foundational principles. As digital game ownership and preservation gain increasing prominence, GOG's ability to solidify the DRM-free market and attract players who prioritize "truly owning their games" will be a critical point of interest moving forward.
via： The Verge