GOG Founder Michał Kiciński Reacquires Full Ownership
▼ Summary
– Michał Kiciński, co-founder of CD Projekt and GOG, has acquired 100% ownership of GOG from CD Projekt.
– GOG will continue to operate independently, maintaining its DRM-free philosophy and mission to “Make Games Live Forever.”
– The acquisition allows CD Projekt to focus on its ambitious game development roadmap while GOG doubles down on reviving classics and curating new retro-spirit games.
– A new distribution agreement ensures all future CD Projekt Red games will be released on the GOG platform.
– GOG remains committed to game preservation and artistic freedom, as demonstrated by its preservation programs and stance on controversial titles.
In a significant move for the digital gaming marketplace, Michał Kiciński, the co-founder of both CD Projekt and GOG, has reacquired full ownership of the DRM-free game platform from CD Projekt. This transaction marks a return to the company’s foundational leadership, with Kiciński emphasizing that GOG will maintain its independent operations and its core commitment to a DRM-free philosophy. The guiding mission, “Make Games Live Forever,” remains unchanged as the platform enters this new era.
Kiciński elaborated on the strategic reasoning, noting the shared heritage between the two entities. “CD Projekt and GOG share the same roots and values: freedom, independence, and a genuine sense of ownership,” he stated. He expressed confidence that CD Projekt’s acclaimed AAA titles, including The Witcher and Cyberpunk series, will continue to be prominently featured on GOG, solidifying its position as a premier destination for these games. Beyond contemporary blockbusters, Kiciński highlighted his personal passion for classic games and GOG’s dedication to their preservation. He pointed out that in a market saturated with countless lower-quality releases, timeless classics offer reliable playability and joy. He also revealed his personal involvement in developing new games with a retro spirit, promising their strong debut on GOG in the coming year.
The leadership at CD Projekt affirmed the decision, framing it as a natural step that allows each company to sharpen its focus. Michał Nowakowski, joint CEO of CD Projekt, explained that with CD Projekt concentrating on an ambitious development roadmap and franchise expansion, transferring GOG back to its co-founder ensures it is in capable hands. “We are convinced that with the support of Michał Kiciński, its future will be full of great projects and successes,” Nowakowski said. As a key component of the ownership transition, a new distribution agreement has been signed, guaranteeing that all upcoming titles from CD Projekt Red will be available on GOG at launch.
This move reinforces GOG’s distinct identity in the digital storefront landscape. The platform has consistently championed creator and consumer freedom, a principle demonstrated when it chose to sell Santa Ragione’s controversial horror game Horses after other major storefronts removed it. GOG defended this decision by asserting the importance of player choice and artistic expression. Furthermore, GOG’s commitment to game preservation remains a cornerstone of its operations. Through initiatives like its Preservation Program and membership in the European Federation of Game Archives, Museums and Preservation Projects (EFGAMP), the company actively works to ensure classic games remain compatible with modern and future hardware, truly living up to its mission of making games last forever.
(Source: EuroGamer)
