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| CD Projekt has sold GOG |
In a move that reshapes the landscape of DRM-free gaming, Michał Kiciński, co-founder and former major shareholder of CD Projekt, has taken full ownership of the beloved platform GOG.com. The acquisition, finalized for 90.7 million Polish Zloty (approximately $25.25 million), marks the end of GOG’s direct ownership under the CD Projekt umbrella, heralding a new chapter of independent operation for the store.
A Return to Roots, A Pledge to Philosophy
The transaction, detailed in an official press release, signifies a strategic shift for both entities. Kiciński, one of the original architects of CD Projekt’s success, is now the sole owner of the digital storefront he helped pioneer. In their announcement, GOG.com was quick to assure its community that this change in ownership is not a change in vision. The platform will continue to operate independently and, most importantly, remain staunchly committed to its core DRM-free philosophy.
This separation of ownership is being framed as a positive evolution. "Since GOG remains in the hands of an original founder, nothing is expected to change for gamers as a result of this acquisition," the statement emphasized. For customers, this means continued unfettered access to their purchased libraries and the store’s curated selection of classic and modern games without digital rights management software.
Business as Usual, With New Potential
Fans of CD Projekt Red’s titles can rest easy. The operational cooperation between GOG and its former parent company will continue. Games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 will still be available for purchase on GOG, complete with their DRM-free guarantees and direct support benefits for buyers.
Industry analysts suggest that GOG’s newfound structural independence could actually strengthen its market position. By no longer being a subsidiary of a direct competitor (CD Projekt Red), GOG might become a more attractive and neutral platform for other game developers and publishers. They can now bring their titles to the store without any perceived fear of being disadvantaged in favor of CDPR’s own blockbuster releases.
The Niche Challenge: Revenue in a DRM-Dominated Market
The financial details disclosed alongside the acquisition shed light on the challenging market GOG inhabits. In 2024, the platform generated approximately $55.46 million in revenue, turning a modest profit of about $316,240. These figures starkly contrast with the billions earned by the PC market leader, Steam, highlighting GOG’s position as a niche—but passionately supported—player.
The significant revenue gap is largely attributed to the ongoing industry hesitation toward DRM-free releases. Many major publishers and developers continue to rely on DRM solutions in an effort to combat piracy, making their current AAA titles unavailable on GOG’s marketplace. This has cemented GOG’s role as a destination for a specific consumer: one who values ownership, privacy, and the preservation of gaming history over day-one access to the biggest releases.
Under Michał Kiciński’s leadership, the question now is how GOG will navigate this niche. With assured independence and a founder’s stewardship, the platform is poised to continue championing the DRM-free cause, potentially exploring new partnerships and strategies to grow its unique and vital space in the digital gaming ecosystem. For now, the message to users is clear: the store they love isn't going anywhere, and its fundamental principles are more secure than ever.