### GOG’s Fresh Beginning: Autonomy with Michał Kiciński

GOG, the well-known digital gaming marketplace celebrated for its dedication to DRM-free experiences and safeguarding of vintage titles, has officially parted ways with its parent organization, CD Projekt Red (CDPR). This shift signifies a major transformation for both GOG and the larger gaming industry as it begins a new chapter under the complete ownership of one of its co-founders, Michał Kiciński.

#### Acquisition Details

On December 29, 2023, CDPR revealed that Michał Kiciński has purchased all of GOG’s shares for 90 million PLN, which is roughly 25 million USD. Notably, this acquisition did not require Kiciński to divest any shares of CDPR, enabling him to maintain his role within the company while directing GOG’s future.

In an official announcement, GOG managing director Maciej Gołębiewski conveyed a shared vision between GOG and Kiciński, underlining their collective goal to ensure the longevity of games. He remarked, “In a market that’s growing increasingly crowded, more restricted, and forgets classic games at a faster rate, we’re focusing on what only GOG can do: resurrecting classics, ensuring they remain playable on modern PCs, and assisting remarkable games in discovering their audience over time.”

#### History and Purpose of GOG

Initially established as Good Old Games in October 2008, GOG began as a niche platform for retro gaming, offering a venue for different publishers and developers to market their titles free from digital rights management (DRM). Over time, GOG has broadened its array of offerings greatly, now featuring both recent releases and classic games, along with a strong preservation initiative focused on keeping older games functioning on current hardware, even in the absence of publisher support.

#### Reasons for the Sale

Regarding the acquisition, CDPR co-CEO Michał Nowakowski explained the rationale behind the decision to divest GOG. With an ambitious development agenda planned for CDPR aimed at expanding its franchises and projects, it became strategically beneficial to allow GOG to function autonomously. He voiced confidence in Kiciński’s stewardship, asserting that GOG is now in “exceptionally capable hands” and that its future will flourish under Kiciński’s leadership.

#### Continued Collaboration

Even with the official separation, CDPR has assured players that it will keep releasing its new titles on the GOG platform, preserving the existing relationship between the two organizations, albeit with different operational frameworks. For gamers, this continuity signifies that the familiar platform remains unchanged regarding access to CDPR titles, while simultaneously supporting GOG’s independent endeavors.

#### Conclusion

The acquisition of GOG by Michał Kiciński signals the dawn of a new period for the platform, dedicated to enriching the gaming experience for players while upholding the heritage of classic games. As Kiciński guides GOG’s vision into the future, the focus on maintaining gaming history and building a community-oriented platform hints at a bright future for this iconic marketplace in a swiftly changing digital environment.