When the name “CD Projekt Red” is mentioned, it often conjures images of two iconic role-playing games from the last decade: The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. Particularly in the realm of PC gaming, these titles have found their home primarily through digital storefronts, with Steam being a notable player. However, CD Projekt also owns a unique platform known as Good Old Games (GOG), celebrated for its commitment to DRM-free game ownership. This means that when players download a game from GOG, they can enjoy it without the need for a constant internet connection, reminiscent of the days when physical media reigned supreme.
This approach stands in stark contrast to many other digital storefronts, which often require an internet connection even for single-player experiences. GOG’s philosophy allows gamers to preserve their digital libraries in a way that echoes the nostalgia of physical collections, particularly as classic titles fade into obscurity in the wake of newer generations of consoles.
Recently, GOG has made headlines with the addition of Dino Crisis 1 and 2 to its library, titles that had previously been available only through limited physical releases. Not only were these games added, but they also received modern enhancements, including full 4K support. The technical producer at GOG, Adam Ziolkowski, shared insights into the porting process in a YouTube video, revealing that the project took just a few months following Capcom’s approval.
Fabled lost chapters of Lionhead
In tandem with the excitement surrounding the Dino Crisis ports, GOG introduced the Dreamlist, a feature that empowers the community to vote on which games should be added to the storefront. Since its launch, the Dreamlist has amassed over 3,000 suggestions spanning various genres and decades, with many titles from the 80s making a comeback. Among the most requested are the Fable series and the Black & White games, both of which are currently only accessible through their original physical versions.
The Fable franchise, which has been dormant since the cancellation of Fable Legends in 2016 and the subsequent closure of Lionhead Studios, is now seeing renewed interest with an upcoming reboot slated for release. While the earlier entries in the series are available on Steam, Fable 2 and 3 remain elusive, with Fable 3’s availability hampered by outdated technology. The community’s enthusiasm for these titles reflects a desire for proper preservation and revival of beloved classics.
The legion of Command and Conquer series
Another title generating significant buzz on the Dreamlist is Command and Conquer: The Ultimate Collection, which includes ten games and seven expansion packs. Despite being readily available on Steam, the recent announcement of a mobile-only entry in the franchise, Legions, has left many fans disappointed. The lack of a major PC release since 2010 has fueled calls for a GOG port, emphasizing the community’s desire for DRM-free access to these classic strategy games.
Similarly, Resident Evil CODE: Veronica X has emerged as a strong contender on the Dreamlist. While it can be found on consoles, its absence from PC for over two decades has left players yearning for a proper port. GOG’s partnership with Capcom could pave the way for this long-awaited revival, further solidifying its reputation as a go-to platform for classic gaming.
Summoning Diablo 2 away from Battle.net
Among the most requested titles is the original Diablo 2, a game that has become synonymous with both nostalgia and frustration. Following the launch of Diablo 2: Resurrected, which faced numerous technical issues, players are eager for a version that is free from the constraints of Battle.net, Blizzard’s proprietary platform. With GOG already offering Diablo + Hellfire, the potential for a partnership with Blizzard to bring the original Diablo 2 to a DRM-free environment seems promising.
So many titles, so little help
The Dreamlist is brimming with titles that the GOG community is eager to see revived. With the trust CD Projekt has cultivated over the years, the anticipation for nostalgic ports is palpable. However, the complexity of some titles, such as those from the Fable and Command and Conquer series, may pose challenges for GOG. As the demand for these classic games continues to grow, it raises the question: what might Microsoft, EA, and Capcom stand to gain by collaborating with GOG to preserve their legendary titles for future generations?
