
**CD Projekt Red’s GOG: A Shift in Direction Under New Leadership**
At the end of 2022, CD Projekt Red, the renowned developer behind the Cyberpunk and Witcher franchises, made a significant move by selling its game distribution platform, GOG (Good Old Games), to its original co-founder, Michał Kiciński. This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter for GOG, with plans to focus on revitalizing classic games while maintaining a strong commitment to providing a DRM-free gaming experience.
In a recent interview with Eurogamer, Kiciński expressed his vision for the platform, highlighting a potential expansion into the indie game publishing realm. He currently serves as co-owner of Retrovibe, an indie game publishing company, and sees opportunities for GOG to evolve beyond its original distribution model. Kiciński clarified that while discussions regarding publishing are ongoing, no formal decisions have been made yet. Historically, GOG operated under the auspices of CD Projekt Red, which restricted its ability to diversify its publishing activities, as the focus remained on promoting its internal game lineup.
As Kiciński officially took the reins of GOG on January 8, 2023, he emphasized that the immediate priority would be to enhance GOG’s existing offerings rather than implementing drastic changes. He acknowledged the platform’s unique market position and its loyal customer base, reaffirming a commitment to build upon its established values and identity. According to Kiciński, there is no need for a philosophical pivot; instead, the focus will be on improving and optimizing the current services.
However, the potential shift towards publishing raises certain concerns among the gaming community. Some players worry about the possibility of a GOG-published game receiving preferential treatment on the platform, which could undermine the integrity of the marketplace. Kiciński is aware of such apprehensions and has indicated that careful consideration will guide any future publishing endeavors.
In conclusion, GOG stands at a crossroads as it embraces new leadership and contemplates the possibilities of expanding into game publishing. While Kiciński’s vision presents exciting opportunities for growth, the path forward appears to be grounded in preserving the platform’s core values while exploring new avenues. As GOG continues to evolve, the gaming community will be watching closely to see how it navigates these changes in the coming years.