Over the years, GOG has evolved from a platform primarily dedicated to classic games to one that increasingly embraces modern blockbusters. This shift has transformed them from champions of game preservation into a slightly more antiquated, DRM-free version of Steam. However, GOG is now announcing a renewed commitment to not just selling vintage titles but also enhancing their compatibility with contemporary hardware.
The GOG Preservation Program
Dubbed the GOG Preservation Program, this initiative builds on the store’s previous restoration efforts, which have included successful updates for titles like Alpha Protocol and the original Resident Evil trilogy. The program draws inspiration from Valve’s Steam Deck Verified system, which indicates how well a game performs on the handheld device.
The process begins with GOG’s in-house developers meticulously addressing bugs and integrating essential features, such as modern video codecs and compatibility with Windows 10 and 11. Once a game successfully navigates this restoration process, it earns a certified “Good Old Game” badge on its store listing, signaling that it is ready for play without the need for unofficial patches or mods.
Games that receive this badge will represent “the most complete version available,” encompassing all downloadable content, expansions, and even supplementary materials like manuals and alternative language options. Additionally, these titles will come equipped with offline installers and, naturally, will be free of DRM restrictions.
To launch this initiative, GOG is reintroducing over 100 games with the Good Old Game designation. This impressive lineup includes iconic titles such as Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3, the original Diablo along with its Hellfire expansion, System Shock 2, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, both Fallout and Fallout: New Vegas, The Curse of Monkey Island, and X-COM: UFO Defense, among many others. While nostalgia for these classics is strong, there’s a particular excitement around the prospect of playing an updated version of New Vegas, especially given the challenges posed by modern hardware compatibility.
GOG states, “Our goal is for all games, whether recent or classic, to eventually become part of the Preservation Program.” They acknowledge the extensive backlog of classic titles that may qualify but emphasize that confirming eligibility is a complex process. This endeavor relies heavily on securing permission from original developers and publishers, which can often be a challenging hurdle.
Ultimately, while GOG is committed to preserving these games, they also recognize the necessity of maintaining a profitable business model. The balance between preservation and commercial viability is delicate, but the existence of a healthy game preservation pipeline is undoubtedly preferable to the alternative. This initiative comes at a crucial time, especially as players have begun to take legal action against publishers for rendering games unplayable through server shutdowns. With any luck, GOG will continue to navigate these challenges and produce offline-compatible, preservation-friendly semi-remasters for years to come.