In a significant shift for the PC gaming landscape, the digital storefront Good Old Games (GOG) is embarking on a new, independent chapter. After over a decade under the umbrella of CD Projekt, the platform has been acquired by one of its original creators, signaling a renewed commitment to its founding principles in an era of increasingly walled digital gardens.
Key Announcement Details
- Event: Acquisition of GOG (Good Old Games) digital storefront.
- Previous Owner: CD Projekt.
- New Owner: Michał Kiciński, co-founder of both CD Projekt and GOG.
- Announcement Date: December 29, 2025.
- Platforms Included: GOG storefront and the GOG Galaxy client.
- Stated Core Value: "DRM-free" ownership and game preservation.
GOG Announces Return to Founding Ownership
On December 29, 2025, GOG and CD Projekt jointly announced that Michał Kiciński, co-founder of both CD Projekt and GOG, has acquired the digital storefront from its parent company. The news was shared via the official GOG blog and social media channels, framing the move not as a rescue operation but as a strategic return to the platform's roots. Kiciński emphasized that the core mission of "freedom, independence, and genuine control" for gamers would be more central than ever under his leadership. This acquisition represents a full-circle moment for the store, which was originally launched by Kiciński and Marcin Iwiński in 2008 with the goal of reviving classic PC games.
Core Philosophy and User Experience Remain Unchanged
For the millions of users on the platform, the transition is designed to be seamless. GOG's announcement included a clear FAQ stating that players do not need to take any action regarding their accounts, libraries, or purchases. The foundational promise of a DRM-free library—where gamers truly own the games they buy—is being reinforced as the cornerstone of the store's identity. The platform reassured its community that this change in ownership is about protecting and accelerating what makes GOG unique, rather than altering its consumer-facing operations. This stability is crucial for a store that has built a loyal following by positioning itself as a curator and preserver of gaming history.
Post-Acquisition User & Partner Impact
- User Action Required: None. Accounts and libraries remain unchanged.
- Core Philosophy: Reinforced commitment to DRM-free games and user control.
- Relationship with CD Projekt Red: Unchanged. GOG will continue to sell all CDPR games.
- Future Focus: Accelerating classic game preservation and supporting games with a "retro spirit."
Strengthening Ties with CD Projekt and Future Vision
Despite the change in corporate ownership, GOG's relationship with CD Projekt Red, the acclaimed game developer, will remain strong. The store will continue to be the home for CDPR's catalog, including The Witcher series, Cyberpunk 2077, and their upcoming sequels. The blog post outlined a vision for GOG's future that involves "doubling down" on its retro spirit. This includes not only preserving classics from the past but also supporting new games that embody a similar ethos and continuing to offer a haven for unique projects that might not fit on other storefronts. The move is portrayed as securing long-term backing from an owner whose values are intrinsically aligned with the platform's mission of making games "live forever."
Implications for the PC Gaming Storefront Ecosystem
GOG's independence arrives at a time when the digital PC game market is largely dominated by a single major platform. As a viable alternative, GOG has carved out a niche by focusing on game preservation, consumer ownership, and a curated selection. By returning to founder-led ownership, GOG is betting that a focused, value-driven approach can sustain and grow its place in the market. The acquisition underscores a belief that there is a lasting demand for a storefront that prioritizes player control over convenience, offering a distinct choice for gamers who value permanent access to their digital libraries above all else.