GOG, a digital distribution platform owned by CD Projekt Red, has long been a haven for retro PC gamers. Known for its vast library of DRM-free titles, GOG offers access to classic games like Beyond Good & Evil and Silent Hill 4: The Room, often difficult to find elsewhere. Building on this legacy, GOG recently announced the GOG Preservation Program, an initiative dedicated to ensuring these classic titles remain playable on modern systems.
The GOG Preservation Program aims to maintain the compatibility of select games, designated as “Good Old Games,” with current and future PCs. This commitment ensures that these titles will continue to function even as technology evolves. Currently supporting Windows 10 and 11, GOG promises future compatibility beyond these operating systems.
alt text: GOG.com website interface
The program launched with 100 games, including iconic titles like System Shock 2, Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition, The Witcher: Enhanced Edition, and the original Diablo. GOG plans to expand this collection over time. While many of these games were already available on GOG, the program signifies a dedicated effort to provide ongoing updates and support, ensuring they meet specific player standards, even if the original developers are no longer involved. The DRM-free nature of these games guarantees continued access without licensing concerns or online requirements.
A prime example of GOG’s preservation efforts is the Resident Evil Bundle, released earlier this year. This bundle offered the first three Resident Evil games with quality-of-life improvements such as updated rendering options, expanded localization, and controller support, all while preserving the core experience of the original releases.
alt text: Resident Evil intro sequence on GOG.com
The landscape of game preservation has been challenging. The closure of older digital storefronts has led to the loss of numerous digital-only titles. While consoles have seen some progress with subscription services and backward compatibility, PC game preservation has lagged behind. Remakes, while welcome, often fail to capture the unique essence of the original releases.
GOG recognizes the precarious state of classic PC games. The market is often overlooked by major platforms, leading to a “sell-it-and-forget-it” approach to older titles. As technology progresses, compatibility issues arise and frequently remain unaddressed. The GOG Preservation Program directly confronts this issue, ensuring that classic PC games remain accessible and playable for years to come. GOG is investing its resources to maintain these games, addressing compatibility issues and preserving a vital piece of gaming history.
The GOG Preservation Program represents a significant step towards securing the future of classic PC games. By actively maintaining these titles, GOG ensures that future generations can experience these gaming milestones in their original form.
