Summary: GOG has a new but familiar owner—co-founder Michal Kicinski has bought the platform back from CD Projekt, with a renewed pledge to keep it DRM-free, independent, and focused on preserving classics. CD Projekt plans to concentrate on building top-tier RPGs, while GOG will continue operating as its own company, with no changes to player libraries or accounts. Expect stronger community involvement and new initiatives starting in 2026, along with a continued commitment to ethical, non-predatory storefront practices.
A big shift in ownership can rattle a community, but this one feels more like a homecoming. GOG—the DRM-free PC storefront and preservation platform—has been reacquired by one of its original founders, Michal Kicinski. The message from the team is clear: the store will keep doing what it does best, from spotlighting DRM-free releases to safeguarding classic games, while doubling down on community input and independent operations.
Let’s break down what this means for players, developers, and the broader PC gaming ecosystem.
What happened, and why it matters
- GOG changes hands from CD Projekt to co-founder Michal Kicinski.
- The store remains independent and maintains its DRM-free mission.
- CD Projekt refocuses on making big RPGs and related entertainment tied to its brands.
The DNA of GOG has always been about ownership and access—download your games, keep them forever, no lock-ins. In an industry trending toward required launchers, subscriptions, and walled gardens, this recommitment to “no forced platforms” and “no lock-in” stands out. It’s less about chasing the latest monetization fad and more about building a library you truly own.
What stays the same for players If you’re already a GOG customer, the immediate impact is basically stability. The team has laid out several assurances:
- Your account and library are unaffected.
- CD Projekt Red titles will continue to launch on GOG, and the publisher’s catalog remains available.
- Donations to GOG’s preservation efforts remain within GOG and continue funding that work.
- The core philosophy—DRM-free releases, ethical and non-predatory design—remains intact.
In other words, your backlog is safe, your downloads are safe, and your expectations for what GOG is and does are safe.
Why DRM-free still matters The DRM debate isn’t just a technical squabble—it’s about control, access, and longevity. DRM-free gaming means:
- You can install and play offline, even if servers go down or a client retires.
- Mods and community fixes often face fewer barriers.
- Preservation isn’t an afterthought; it’s built into how the platform operates.
For classic PC games—many of which require TLC to run on modern systems—GOG’s approach has always included curation, patching, and respectful re-releases. That work keeps gaming history playable, not just memorialized.
Independence and the 2026 angle GOG has emphasized that it will remain independent in its operations. Independence here isn’t just corporate structure—it’s strategic autonomy. That opens the door to:
- Community-first initiatives in 2026, with a stronger voice for players in shaping the store’s features and priorities.
- Continued support for indies, with an emphasis on visibility and fair, non-predatory practices.
- A focus on long-term sustainability over short-term trends.
While specific programs weren’t detailed, “stronger community voice” suggests more feedback loops, transparent roadmaps, or perhaps new curation tools that elevate standout modern indies alongside carefully maintained classics.
What this could mean for developers For indie teams, discoverability and fair terms matter just as much as raw audience size. An independent GOG that prioritizes ethics and longevity can be attractive for devs who:
- Want DRM-free distribution without compromising their vision.
- Prefer a storefront that highlights curation and quality over algorithmic churn.
- Value a durable home for their games—one that treats post-launch support and preservation as part of the package.
No one storefront is a silver bullet, but GOG’s identity is clear: it’s a good place to build a lasting presence for games that deserve to stick around.
Opportunities and challenges ahead There’s plenty to be excited about, but also real work to do:
- Competition and scale: Steam, Epic, and console ecosystems aren’t getting smaller. GOG will need to keep sharpening its value proposition to stand out.
- Live service vs. ownership: As more games lean into online features, integrating DRM-free principles with connected experiences can be tricky—but not impossible.
- Curation at scale: Players love GOG’s careful catalog, but scaling curation without diluting identity requires thoughtful tooling and community involvement.
The good news? GOG’s vision positions it to win on trust. When a storefront treats players like owners and developers like partners, it’s building long-term loyalty, not just chasing short-term spend.
What to watch next If you’re tracking this story, here are some things to keep an eye on over the coming months:
- Community initiatives in 2026: how player feedback will shape features and curation.
- Preservation projects: more classic rescues, better compatibility patches, and efforts to keep older catalogs playable.
- Indie spotlighting: new ways to surface hidden gems and help small teams reach GOG’s audience.
- Feature evolution: how GOG balances DRM-free ownership with optional convenience features that today’s players expect.
Closing thoughts GOG being led once again by a co-founder signals a return-to-roots moment with an eye on the future. The promise is simple and refreshing: build a platform that’s ethical, non-predatory, and made to last—one that celebrates yesterday’s classics, champions today’s standouts, and sets the stage for tomorrow’s favorites. For players who value true ownership and for developers who want their work preserved, that’s a mission worth rooting for.