As the gaming industry advances with new technologies, Polish distributor GOG has stepped in to preserve gaming history by saving a vast swath of classic games from extinction.
According to the Video Game History Foundation, an estimated 87% of games released before 2010 are no longer accessible to players.
Even when such games are available, they often lack the updates necessary to function properly on modern systems.
In response, GOG has launched a special preservation program, aiming to keep iconic games available and playable indefinitely.
Maciej Gołębiewski, GOG’s managing director, said: “With around 2,000 classic titles in our portfolio, we believe it’s our responsibility to keep these cultural landmarks alive for future generations.”
Currently, the “GOG Preservation Program” includes only 100 classic games such as Diablo, Heroes of Might and Magic III, and the original Resident Evil Trilogy.
While some titles are available through other distributors, GOG’s versions are widely regarded by the community as among the best on the market, backed by a guarantee of continuous support to ensure compatibility with future technologies.
Even when such games are available, they often lack the updates necessary to function properly on modern systems.
In response, GOG has launched a special preservation program, aiming to keep iconic games available and playable indefinitely.
Maciej Gołębiewski, GOG’s managing director, said: “With around 2,000 classic titles in our portfolio, we believe it’s our responsibility to keep these cultural landmarks alive for future generations.”
Currently, the “GOG Preservation Program” includes only 100 classic games such as Diablo, Heroes of Might and Magic III, and the original Resident Evil Trilogy.
Purchased titles can be redownloaded at any time, with ongoing updates ensuring compatibility with future technology.What did the GOG Preservation Program improve?
— GOG.COM (@GOGcom) November 21, 2024
Since Diablo + Hellfire joined our platform in 2019, we've made numerous improvements to enhance the experience for players.
To start, we removed misleading TCP/IP info from the launcher and added a workaround for the DX version…
While some titles are available through other distributors, GOG’s versions are widely regarded by the community as among the best on the market, backed by a guarantee of continuous support to ensure compatibility with future technologies.
Gołębiewski said: “Players can count on GOG to keep their favorite classics running smoothly, regardless of whether official support has ended.”
So far, games included in the preservation program are chosen based on legal, commercial, technological, and cultural significance, but GOG has plans to involve its community more directly in shaping the program.
Gołębiewski said: “We’re working on solutions to involve our community more in choosing the games for the program.
“Through the Preservation Program, we aim to honor the games that defined generations and keep them alive for future players.”
Currently, the Preservation Program focuses on PC games, including some titles compatible with Apple systems, but is also leaving the door open for expansion.
“While we are concentrating on PC for now, we don’t rule out exploring other platforms in the future,” Gołębiewski said.
So far, games included in the preservation program are chosen based on legal, commercial, technological, and cultural significance, but GOG has plans to involve its community more directly in shaping the program.
Gołębiewski said: “We’re working on solutions to involve our community more in choosing the games for the program.
“Through the Preservation Program, we aim to honor the games that defined generations and keep them alive for future players.”
Currently, the Preservation Program focuses on PC games, including some titles compatible with Apple systems, but is also leaving the door open for expansion.
“While we are concentrating on PC for now, we don’t rule out exploring other platforms in the future,” Gołębiewski said.
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