### CD Projekt Sells GOG to Co-Founder: A New Vision for the DRM-Free Storefront
As the calendar approached 2026, CD Projekt, the renowned creators of the Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077, made waves in the gaming community by selling their PC storefront GOG (Good Old Games) to co-founder Michał Kiciński for 90.7 million Polish zloty (approximately £18.6 million or $25 million). Kiciński has articulated his vision for GOG’s future in a gaming landscape dominated by Steam, emphasizing the importance of differentiation rather than imitation.
#### Maintaining GOG’s Core Values
Kiciński’s primary objective is to ensure that GOG retains its identity as a curated platform focusing on delivering high-quality games. He believes that the plethora of low-quality games flooding Steam can potentially overshadow unique titles, creating an overwhelming environment for players. “GOG is a very curated platform. This is, I think, one of our strengths: we don’t release hundreds of games daily,” he stated. This strategy aims to enhance visibility for smaller developers, allowing them a better chance of reaching their audience in a less saturated environment.
#### Anti-DRM Stance
One of GOG’s defining characteristics is its anti-DRM (Digital Rights Management) policy, which Kiciński intends to uphold. He criticized the continued push for DRM in the industry, asserting that such decisions often stem from misguided corporate thinking. While Kiciński acknowledges the areas where GOG must improve—particularly in ease of use, as seen in Steam’s user-friendly interface—he is committed to evolving GOG without compromising its core values.
#### Competing with Steam
While Kiciński recognizes the success of Steam, particularly in user experience, he is not inclined to emulate their model. His focus is on enhancing GOG’s features while maintaining its uniqueness. The store aims to get better at acquiring new games annually and pairing them with classic titles, but direct competition with Steam in terms of volume is not a priority. The idea of developing remasters, similar to what Nightdive Studios has accomplished, has not been ruled out but remains in the early discussion stages.
#### Embracing Modding
In recent years, GOG has expanded its offerings by hosting significant mods, including popular projects like Fallout: London and the upcoming Skyblivion. Kiciński’s leadership could enhance this aspect of GOG, as it represents a competitive edge against Steam, which continues to dominate the modding scene. The potential for GOG to support modding initiatives may further establish it as a favored community hub beyond just selling games.
#### Looking Ahead
With Michał Kiciński at the helm, GOG is poised for an evolution that respects its past while embracing future opportunities. By focusing on its curated approach, upholding anti-DRM principles, and potentially exploring avenues such as game remakes and mod support, GOG seeks to carve out a distinctive position in the competitive landscape of digital game distribution. As the platform navigates this transition, it remains committed to providing unique gaming experiences for its users.
