What's Happening?
Michał Kiciński, co-founder of CD Projekt, has acquired 100% ownership of GOG, a digital games store known for its DRM-free offerings. This acquisition marks a new chapter for GOG, which was co-founded
by Kiciński in 2008 and has been part of CD Projekt. Despite the change in ownership, GOG will continue to operate independently, maintaining its commitment to supporting gamers and developers through its DRM-free philosophy. The company aims to preserve classic games and introduce new titles with a retro spirit. As part of the acquisition, GOG has signed a distribution agreement with CD Projekt to release all upcoming CD Projekt Red games on the platform.
Why It's Important?
The acquisition is significant as it allows CD Projekt to focus on its ambitious development roadmap and expanding its franchises with new high-quality products. For GOG, the change in ownership under Kiciński, who shares the company's values of freedom and independence, ensures that it will continue to be a haven for classic and new games alike. This move could strengthen GOG's position in the digital distribution market, especially as it remains one of the few platforms to support controversial titles like Santa Ragione's horror game, Horses. The continued focus on DRM-free gaming and game preservation aligns with the growing demand for consumer rights in digital ownership.
What's Next?
Under Kiciński's leadership, GOG is expected to continue its mission of preserving classic games while also introducing new titles that capture the retro spirit. The distribution agreement with CD Projekt will likely bring popular titles like The Witcher and Cyberpunk to GOG, potentially increasing its user base. As GOG joins the European Federation of Game Archives, Museums, and Preservation Projects, it may play a more active role in the preservation of digital games, ensuring their compatibility with modern and future systems.
Beyond the Headlines
The acquisition highlights the ongoing debate over digital rights management (DRM) in the gaming industry. GOG's commitment to DRM-free gaming challenges the conventional approach of many digital distributors, advocating for consumer rights and game preservation. This stance could influence other platforms to reconsider their DRM policies, especially as consumer demand for ownership and preservation of digital content grows. Additionally, GOG's involvement in game preservation initiatives may set a precedent for other companies to follow, potentially leading to broader industry changes in how digital content is managed and preserved.
