Last month, GOG made a significant commitment to the world of gaming by launching its preservation program aimed at restoring older PC games. As of today, this initiative has expanded to include titles that have been delisted by their developers, with the first two games in this category being Warcraft 1 and Warcraft 2.
In a recent blog post, GOG disclosed that Blizzard had requested the removal of these classic titles from its storefront on December 13. GOG has confirmed its compliance with this request, yet it has assured gamers that these beloved titles will continue to thrive through its preservation program. The company has pledged to maintain compatibility for games even if they are no longer available for purchase, ensuring that players can continue to enjoy them without interruption.
For those who already own these delisted games, GOG guarantees a seamless experience along with ongoing technical support. This support will take into account any potential changes in Windows operating systems that could affect gameplay, thereby safeguarding the user experience.
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The GOG Preservation Program stands as a testament to the platform’s dedication to older games, promising their compatibility with current and future PC hardware. At present, the program is focused on Windows platforms and includes notable titles such as the first three installments of Resident Evil, Alpha Protocol, and the Ultimate Edition of Dragon Age: Origins.
Last month, GOG articulated its intention to tackle the pressing issue of game preservation, a topic that has gained traction over the past year. A 2023 study highlighted that nearly all games released prior to 2010 are now inaccessible. Additionally, a separate study earlier this year pointed out the preservation challenges faced by Australia’s gaming industry.
Organizations like the Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) have been advocating for solutions that would allow libraries and archives to share remote access to digital out-of-print games, a practice previously hindered by Section 1201 of the DMCA. However, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has actively opposed these efforts, asserting that the responsibility for preservation and archiving rests solely with publishers.
In late October, the U.S. Copyright Office rejected the VGHF’s proposal for an exemption to DMCA rules, siding with the ESA’s critique that the foundation did not adequately demonstrate that reproducing works for multiple simultaneous uses in the computer program class would likely be fair.
Regarding the two Warcraft titles, GOG expressed pride in its efforts to revive these games after decades of unavailability. While the delisting is regrettable, the company reassured users that those who already own these titles on GOG will continue to benefit from its commitment to preserving their gaming experience, ensuring compatibility with modern systems for years to come.
