The classic PC games market finds itself in a challenging position, as highlighted by GOG, a storefront committed to preserving the charm of DRM-free gaming. The company notes that many smaller titles, once vibrant, now languish in obscurity, often abandoned due to compatibility issues that arise as technology evolves. This situation has led to a stark reality where classic games constitute a mere 20 percent of GOG’s catalog, a far cry from its original identity as “Good Old Games,” a name that has not graced its branding in over a decade.
In a bold move to revitalize this segment, GOG has announced the launch of its GOG Preservation Program, pledging substantial resources to breathe new life into classic titles. The initiative kicks off with a selection of 100 games, with GOG’s developers working diligently to ensure these titles remain compatible with current and future systems. Each game will retain its DRM-free status and receive ongoing technical support, proudly bearing the “Good Old Game: Preserved by GOG” seal of approval.
While GOG remains steadfast in its mission to provide a DRM-free alternative to major platforms like Steam and Epic, it is embracing this new focus on classic games, drawing inspiration from its experiences with titles such as Alpha Protocol. Arthur Dejardin, head of sales marketing at GOG, expressed optimism about the potential impact of this initiative on the classics industry. He noted that diverting resources to attract new AAA games would yield minimal progress, a lesson learned from years of experimentation.
Getting knights, demons, and zombies up to snuff
The selection of games slated for preservation is a nostalgic treasure trove for enthusiasts. Among the titles included are the beloved Jagged Alliance series, System Shock 2, Warcraft I & II, Dungeon Keeper Gold, Theme Park, and SimCity 3000 Unlimited, alongside the iconic Wing Commander series, with a particular nod to Privateer. While most of these games are currently Windows-exclusive, GOG is extending support to Mac users with 34 titles and anticipates further compatibility for Linux players through Proton, beyond the 19 native titles already available.
