In a move that feels both like a massive shake-up and a return to roots, CD Projekt has announced that they are parting ways with GOG.com.
But don’t panic. The storefront isn’t disappearing into the digital ether. Instead, CD Projekt co-founder Michał Kiciński is stepping up to acquire the platform personally.
If you’ve been following the industry for a while, you know that GOG (Good Old Games) has always been the champion of DRM-free gaming and preservation.
It’s been a staple for those who actually want to own our digital library rather than just licensing it until a server shuts down.
Back to Basics?
Michał Kiciński isn’t exactly a stranger to the GOG DNA. As one of the original founders of the CD Projekt Group, he was there when the company was just a scrappy Polish distributor. Initially fighting against piracy by offering better, more consumer-friendly alternatives.
According to the official press release, Kiciński’s move is aimed at giving GOG the “independence and agility” it needs to thrive in a market dominated by Steam and the Epic Games Store.
While GOG has always been the “little engine that could”. Being tied to a massive developer/publisher like CD Projekt (the folks behind The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077) occasionally meant the storefront’s specific needs were balanced against the Group’s broader corporate goals.
What Does This Mean for Us?
For the average gamer, not much should change in the immediate future. Your library is safe, your DRM-free installers aren’t going anywhere, and the GOG Galaxy client will likely continue to bumble along as usual.
However, from our perspective, where we value sincerity and the preservation of great experiences, this feels like a win.
An independent GOG led by a founder with a passion for the platform’s original mission could mean a renewed focus on what made the site great in the first place:
- Classics back to modern PCs
- Consumer rights: Doubling down on the DRM-free philosophy that defines them.
- Niche Appeal: Moving away from trying to be “Steam 2.0” and focusing on being the best possible version of GOG.
Moving Onwards
CD Projekt itself says this allows them to focus 100% on their core business: making massive, sprawling RPGs.
With The Witcher 4 (Polaris) and the Cyberpunk sequel in the works, they clearly have their hands full.
It’s an interesting time for digital storefronts.
As we see more consolidation in the industry, seeing a major player like GOG “de-consolidate” and go independent is a refreshing change of pace.
What do you think? Is GOG better off as an independent entity? Or will it struggle without the financial safety net of the CD Projekt Group? Let us know in the comments or over on the socials.