In a significant move for the gaming industry, CD Projekt-owned GOG has announced the launch of its GOG Preservation Program, a dedicated initiative aimed at ensuring the longevity of over 100 classic titles.
This program will encompass beloved games such as Fallout: New Vegas, The Witcher 2: Assassin's of Kings, and Resident Evil, among many others.
GOG's commitment to preserving gaming history comes at a time when the digital landscape poses increasing risks to the accessibility and functionality of older games.
GOG has articulated its vision, stating
“The GOG Preservation Program is our commitment to preserving gaming history.”
This sentiment reflects a growing concern within the gaming community about the potential obsolescence of digital titles as technology continues to evolve.
As systems advance, many games risk becoming unplayable, which is why GOG is stepping in to safeguard these classics.
The preservation process involves rigorous quality testing for each title before it can be included in the program.
GOG emphasises that if a game does not meet its standards during these tests, it will undergo updates and improvements until it does.
If these tests fail, our team updates and improves the game until it matches our quality standards.
This meticulous approach ensures that players receive the most complete versions of these classics, complete with manuals, downloadable content (DLC), and any missing features.
One of the standout features of the GOG Preservation Program is its commitment to maintaining a DRM-free environment.
GOG has long been a proponent of digital rights management-free gaming, allowing players to enjoy their titles without restrictions.
The program promises ongoing tech support, ensuring that players can trust that their games will remain functional on current and future PC setups.
Through the program, players can trust that their games will always be up to date and ready to run.
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the reality that many games, both online and single-player, face delisting and functional obsolescence.
In a world of rapid technological change, we see the urgent need to save video games from vanishing.
The recent removal of Ubisoft’s The Crew from sale serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how quickly digital titles can disappear, leaving players without access to their purchased games.
As part of its ambitious goals, GOG aims to include hundreds of games in the Preservation Program by the end of 2025.
Currently, there is a backlog of classic titles awaiting evaluation, and GOG is committed to expanding the program as much as possible.
GOG Managing Director Urszula Jach-Jaki articulated the broader mission, stating,
Preserving games doesn't just mean locking stable media in a vault, but keeping games accessible and playable.
This initiative could reshape how the industry approaches game preservation, ensuring that classics continue to be enjoyed by both old fans and new players alike.
