GOG Reveals Game Preservation Program

GOG Reveals Game Preservation Program

Key Takeaways

  • GOG has launched a video game Preservation Program to make sure classic games are up-to-date and playable on modern systems.
  • The program has updated and re-released 100 classic games so far.

As a seasoned gamer who has witnessed the rise and fall of countless digital titles over the years, I can confidently say that GOG’s new Preservation Program is nothing short of a godsend. Growing up, I vividly remember the thrill of discovering old games in dusty attics or at garage sales, only to find they were unplayable on my modern systems.


GOG, initially established as a countermeasure against widespread video game piracy in Poland during the ’90s, has now unveiled an initiative aimed at preserving vintage video games. Originally, GOG focused on providing DRM-free digital alternatives to games that were previously accessible only through physical purchases, but this new project aims to prevent these classic titles from fading into obscurity due to the passage of time.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve found no better place than GOG for my gaming needs. They’re all about offering a wide range of games – old and new – in a digital format, without any pesky rights management restrictions. That’s why they’re often seen as pioneers in video game preservation. Their mission is clear: “We make games last forever.

As a passionate supporter, I’m thrilled to share that the company has introduced the GOG Preservation Program, a remarkable initiative where selected titles receive an official “Good Old Game” label. This label indicates that these games have been thoroughly tested and enhanced by GOG, ensuring they run smoothly on modern systems. When browsing through the storefront, users can effortlessly filter for games tagged as “Good Old Games,” making it a breeze to find compatible classics!

The GOG Preservation Program Is More Than Just a Label

According to the Video Game History Foundation, it was highlighted in 2023 that approximately 87% of video games launched prior to 2010 have become difficult to access. This is an issue that more and more gaming enthusiasts and historians are working diligently to rectify.

The GOG Preservation Program is kicking off by bringing back 100 timeless games from its collection. These include titles that are no longer maintained by their original creators, but have been thoroughly tested and updated for continued playability and accessibility among gamers. In all, the Preservation Program has made over 500 enhancements to these cherished classics such as Heroes of Might and Magic 3: Complete, Fallout: New Vegas, System Shock 2, Myst: Masterpiece Edition, Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain, and Diablo + Hellfire. Moreover, in the spirit of preservation, GOG has announced that it will enable the transfer of ownership of games purchased on their platform in case of a user’s demise.

In October, the effort to preserve classic video games experienced a potential short-term setback. The Software Preservation Network submitted a request for an exception to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, hoping to allow out-of-print video games to be shared digitally for non-profit purposes. This would have enabled these games to be safeguarded by institutions like museums, libraries, and archives. However, unfortunately, the US Copyright Office did not approve the petition for the preservation of video games.

Read More

2024-11-13 18:43