GOG Just Escaped CD Projekt’s Shadow: Why the Founder’s Return Changes Everything

The digital storefront landscape just got a lot more interesting. Just as 2026 was about to dawn, CD Projekt dropped a bombshell: they’d sold GOG, their beloved PC platform, back to co-founder Michał Kiciński. This isn't just a transaction; it's a **game-changing strategic pivot** and a potential return to the core values that first put Good Old Games on the map. Our analysis suggests this move isn't about competing directly with Valve's behemoth, Steam, but about doubling down on GOG's unique identity in a market starved for genuine alternatives.

A Founder's Return: A New Chapter for GOG

The deal, valued at a substantial 90.7 million Polish zloty (approximately £18.6 million / $25 million), sees Kiciński reclaim the platform he helped build. For many veteran gamers, this feels like a critical turning point. Having watched GOG navigate the turbulent waters of modern PC gaming for years, often seemingly adrift in Steam's wake, the return of a founder who clearly understands its DNA offers a much-needed shot in the arm. We believe this isn't merely a business acquisition; it’s a commitment to a distinct philosophy that prioritizes player experience over pure market share.

The Anti-DRM Manifesto: "Plain Stupid Decisions"

Kiciński’s vision, articulated to GamesIndustry.biz, is crystal clear: GOG will not imitate Steam. Instead, it will continue to stand out, firmly rooted in its original mission. This means a renewed, unwavering commitment to two foundational pillars:

• Classic Game Preservation: Ensuring older titles run smoothly on modern hardware. For those of us who remember the headaches of DOSBox configurations and compatibility patches, GOG’s continued dedication to this is a genuine QoL improvement that has historically set it apart.
• Firmly Anti-DRM Stance: This isn't just a feature; it's a principle. Kiciński didn't mince words, declaring that "most corporate people, they make plain stupid decisions" when it comes to DRM. We've seen countless DRM schemes cripple player experiences and alienate communities over the decades. GOG’s steadfast refusal to compromise on this front is a refreshing, consumer-first approach that earns significant trust in our books. It's a power play that resonates deeply with players tired of ownership restrictions.

Learning from the Behemoth, Not Becoming It

While GOG won't mimic Steam, Kiciński acknowledges areas where Valve's platform excels. "Steam is winning with its ease of use," he admitted. This isn't a weakness for GOG but an opportunity for refinement. We anticipate focused quality-of-life improvements to the GOG Galaxy client and storefront, streamlining the user experience without sacrificing its core values. This isn't about adding another hundred bells and whistles but ensuring the existing strengths are presented flawlessly.

Curated Excellence: A Niche Power Play

One of GOG's most potent, yet often understated, strengths is its curated library. Kiciński highlighted this, stating, "GOG is a very curated platform. This is, I think, one of our strengths: we don't release hundreds of games daily, 95% of which are really not super high quality."

Our experience tells us this is more than just a preference; it's a strategic advantage. In an era where Steam's "ever-raging battle for eyes" often buries genuine gems under mountains of shovelware, GOG offers a haven. For smaller developers with unique flair, being a bigger fish in a smaller, carefully cultivated pond can be the difference between obscurity and discovery. For players, it means less sifting through dross and more immediate access to quality titles – a significant draw for discerning gamers.

Beyond the Storefront: The Future of GOG's Ecosystem

Looking ahead, the discussion around GOG's future also touched on potential expansions beyond its current role as a pure storefront. The idea of GOG creating its own remasters, akin to Nightdive Studios' acclaimed work on the System Shock Remake, is an intriguing prospect that Kiciński hasn't ruled out. Leveraging Poland's "very big talent pool" for such projects feels like a natural evolution, aligning perfectly with GOG's historical ties to classic games. This could be a significant value-add, transforming GOG from a retailer into a preservation and creative hub.

Furthermore, GOG's growing role as a host for ambitious community mods—think massive projects like Fallout: London and the still-in-the-works Skyblivion—is another string to its bow. This is an area where even Valve's behemoth doesn't have a total lock-down, despite Steam Workshop's prevalence. We are strongly hopeful that new ownership will continue to champion and expand this facet, cementing GOG as a vital ecosystem for player-driven content.

The Takeaway: Authenticity as a Strategy

Michał Kiciński's reacquisition of GOG is more than just headline news; it's a profound statement on strategy in the cutthroat digital distribution market. By unapologetically leaning into its core strengths – classic preservation, a fiercely anti-DRM stance, and a curated, quality-first approach – GOG isn't just surviving; it's poised to thrive by offering something genuinely different. We believe this move positions GOG not as a direct competitor to Steam, but as an essential, complementary platform for PC gamers who value ownership, quality, and a commitment to gaming's rich history. It’s a bold gamble, but one that, if executed with the same conviction Kiciński has shown, could truly level up GOG’s standing in the industry.