Good Old Games (GOG.com) has unveiled its GOG Preservation Program, a thoughtful initiative designed to keep beloved PC games alive and playable, even in the absence of ongoing developer support. This program aims to address a growing concern within the gaming community: the potential loss of classic titles as technology evolves and developers move on.
Preserving Gaming History
At the heart of this program lies a curated selection of 100 iconic games, including classics such as the original Diablo, the Hellfire expansion, the first three installments of Resident Evil, Wing Commander III, Ultima VII, and the original Fallout. These titles are prominently labeled as “Good Old Games” on GOG’s store page, inviting nostalgia and a sense of continuity for gamers.
As the gaming landscape evolves, the issue of code incompatibility becomes increasingly prevalent, rendering older games unplayable on modern operating systems. GOG’s initiative stands as a proactive measure to combat this trend, ensuring that cherished titles do not fade into obscurity. The company emphasizes that while the Preservation Program will not introduce new features, it is dedicated to making sure these classic games remain functional. “The GOG Preservation Program ensures classic games remain playable on modern systems, even after their developers stopped supporting them,” the company stated. “By maintaining these iconic titles, GOG helps you protect and relive the memories that shaped you, DRM-free and with dedicated tech support.”
GOG’s commitment to preservation is not entirely new; it formalizes efforts that have been underway for several years. For instance, the page for Wing Commander III highlights that the company resolved an issue with its German-language version back in 2016. In 2019, GOG introduced cloud saves, and as of November 13, it confirmed that the game is compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Additionally, GOG has fine-tuned the DOSBox emulator configuration to enhance performance on contemporary systems, a practice mirrored in other titles like SimCity 2000. Games that have transitioned from console to PC, such as Resident Evil, have also undergone meticulous adjustments to preserve the original gaming experience.
While GOG has not disclosed whether its preservation efforts will expand beyond the current selection, the initiative itself is a commendable step towards honoring the games that have left an indelible mark on the industry and its players. The commitment to safeguarding these nostalgic experiences resonates deeply with gamers who cherish their digital legacies.
