The announcement regarding the cessation of new PlayStation disc games starting in 2028 has triggered a wide range of responses across the gaming community. Recently, the platform GOG (Good Old Games) has added its voice to this debate, addressing the crucial issues of digital ownership and the long-term preservation of games. GOG sees this development as an opportunity to re-emphasize the importance of DRM-free content in the gaming ecosystem.
Papliński Emphasizes Long-term Access to Games
Since its inception, GOG has pursued a distribution model that differs significantly from many competing platforms. Every title available on GOG can be downloaded without digital rights management (DRM) restrictions, allowing it to be played independently of a launcher or a persistent online connection. Additionally, offline installers are available, ensuring that buyers can secure their games indefinitely.
Krzysztof Papliński, Co-CEO of GOG, asserts that the shift away from physical media makes the discussion about ownership and preservation even more critical. He states, “Technology continues to evolve, but the principle that players should have permanent access to their purchased games should remain unchanged.” Users must have faith that their games will remain available, regardless of changing platforms, online stores, or business models.
GOG’s Co-CEO Reiterates the Company’s Stance
For GOG, ownership and archiving are deeply intertwined. Papliński explains, “For us, game preservation and ownership are inseparable. Thus, every game on GOG is DRM-free and comes with offline installers, allowing buyers to retain control over their games long-term. The future of gaming should not come at the expense of ownership. Preserving access to games for future years is a responsibility that the entire industry must take seriously.”
GOG as a Rock in the Streaming Storm
GOG reinforced this stance shortly after Sony’s announcement, emphasizing on social media that any game purchased on GOG will remain in a user’s library, even if it is later removed from the store. The conversation surrounding digital ownership has been an ongoing theme in the gaming industry for years.
Unlike traditional physical media, digital purchases on consoles like those from Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo are tied to user accounts and their respective platforms. If content is removed or licenses are altered, this can detrimentally affect access to already purchased content.
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Source: via Eurogamer
