GOG’s Steam-alternative PC game store is leaving CD Projekt, staying DRM-free

GOG is splitting from CD Projekt, the game company that launched the preservation-focused PC gaming marketplace in 2008. In an update on Monday, GOG announced that its cofounder, Michał Kiciński, has acquired the digital storefront and its online gaming platform GOG Galaxy from CD Projekt — which he also cofounded — for $25.2 million. The acquisition isn’t changing anything about GOG’s mission to keep games DRM-free, according to the announcement that says it’s “more central to GOG than ever:” > GOG has always been built on strong values and clear principles. When Marcin Iwiński and Michał Kiciński first came up with the idea for GOG in 2007, the vision was simple: bring classic games back to players, and make sure that once you buy a game, it truly belongs to you, forever. In a market increasingly defined by mandatory clients and closed ecosystems, that philosophy feels more relevant than ever. > This new chapter is about doubling down on that vision. 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. It also won’t change GOG’s relationship with its former parent company, CD Projekt, which will keep selling existing games, like The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077, along with upcoming titles, on the marketplace: > > Selling GOG fits CD PROJEKT’s long-term strategy. CD PROJEKT wants to focus its full attention on creating top-quality RPGs and providing our fans with other forms of entertainment based on our brands. This deal lets CD PROJEKT keep that focus, while GOG gets stronger backing to pursue its own mission.