GOG Changes Ownership: What It Means for Game Preservation and DRM Free Access
GOG just entered a new chapter, and this time it is in regard to control, ownership, and keeping old games playable instead of locked behind clients or time.
The Short Answer on What Changed
Michał Kiciński, co founder of CD PROJEKT and GOG, has acquired GOG from CD PROJEKT. GOG remains independent, DRM free stays untouched, and nothing changes with your library or access.
This is a values move, not a shutdown, sale, or platform pivot.
Why This Matters Beyond the Announcement
This move is about freezing GOG’s identity in place instead of letting it drift.
GOG was built around one idea, games you buy should stay playable forever. No forced launcher, no online check, no surprise lockout years later.
That philosophy is getting doubled down instead of softened.
DRM Free Is Not Going Anywhere
This is the part most players care about.
DRM free games stay DRM free
Offline installers stay available
GOG GALAXY stays optional
Your existing library does not change
This is not a slow walk toward mandatory clients or subscriptions. If anything, the language here signals the opposite.
CD PROJEKT RED Games Are Still Staying
Nothing is getting pulled.
CD PROJEKT RED titles will continue releasing on GOG, including future games. The relationship between the companies remains intact even though ownership changed.
This is not a split, just a reshuffle.
Preservation Program Gets Bigger Focus
One of the quiet but important details is funding.
If you support GOG through Patron subscriptions or the Preservation Program, that money stays with GOG. The team openly hints at larger preservation projects planned for 2026 and 2027.
That means more rescued classics, not fewer.
Independence Is the Real Headline
GOG staying operationally independent is the real win here.
That means:
No forced monetization shifts
No aggressive store mechanics
No pressure to copy Steam features
More room to help niche and indie games
Most stores sell games. GOG spends time making old ones still work on modern systems, even when it is annoying and unglamorous.
That part just got protected.
What Players Should Actually Expect
Short term, almost nothing changes.
Long term, expect:
Stronger DRM free stance
More classic game restorations
More community involvement
Fewer compromises for growth’s sake
This is a rare case where a platform gets smaller on paper but stronger in purpose.
Final Blurb
This move is not over the top and that is the point. GOG just chose preservation and ownership over expansion pressure.
For players who care about buying a game once and playing it forever, this is about as reassuring as news gets.
FAQ
Is GOG being sold to an outside company
No. GOG was acquired by one of its original founders. It stays independent.
Will my GOG library change or disappear
No. Your games, installers, and access remain exactly the same.
Is DRM free still guaranteed
Yes. DRM free is being reinforced, not reduced.
Are CD PROJEKT RED games leaving GOG
No. Current and future titles will continue to release on GOG.
Does this affect GOG GALAXY
No. GOG GALAXY remains optional, just like before.
