GOG Games Store Acquired by Co-Founder: What Changes for Gamers in 2025?

In a move that has sent ripples across the gaming community, GOG—the digital storefront renowned for its DRM-free philosophy—has officially been acquired by its co-founder Michał Kiciński, marking a return to its roots and a recommitment to the values that set it apart in a crowded market. The acquisition, finalized at PLN 90.7 million (around $25.2 million), sees GOG split from its longtime parent company, CD PROJEKT, and begin a new chapter under the direct leadership of one of Poland’s pioneering video game entrepreneurs.

Kiciński, who co-founded both CD PROJEKT and GOG, expressed his vision for the platform: “From the very beginning, GOG has always been built on strong values and clear principles. When Marcin Iwiński and I came up with the idea for GOG, the vision was simple: bring classic games back to players and ensure that once you buy a game, it truly belongs to you—forever.” (CD PROJEKT) That notion of ownership—where players genuinely possess the games they buy, without restrictive digital rights management—remains at the heart of GOG’s mission today.

So, what does this change mean for millions of GOG users? On the surface, not much shifts. The platform promises that player accounts, libraries, and offline installers remain untouched. GOG Galaxy, the optional client, stays optional. Privacy policies are unchanged, and GOG remains the sole controller of user data. For gamers, this is a relief: the sense of genuine ownership and the ability to play games on their terms is preserved. As HowToGeek and Gamereactor report, the DRM-free approach is now more central than ever, with Kiciński personally backing the platform’s preservation mission.

But beneath the surface, the deal signals a strategic realignment for both companies. CD PROJEKT, the studio behind blockbuster titles like The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077, will focus its resources on expanding its AAA franchises and developing new forms of entertainment. This sale lets CD PROJEKT streamline its ambitions, while GOG doubles down on its unique role: reviving classic games, keeping them playable on modern PCs, and championing retro-inspired new releases. “I truly believe that well-crafted classics can deliver as much joy as new releases,” Kiciński remarked, underscoring his belief in the enduring value of timeless gameplay over fleeting trends.

Preservation is no easy feat in today’s gaming landscape. Rights get tangled, compatibility breaks, and nostalgia often turns into troubleshooting. GOG’s “unglamorous work” ensures that titles don’t disappear into digital oblivion, but live on for players both old and new. It’s not just about selling games; it’s about maintaining a living archive that respects gaming’s past while welcoming its future. As Maciej Gołębiewski, Managing Director of GOG, put it: “In a market that’s getting more crowded, more locked-in, and forgets classic games at an increasing pace, we’re doubling down on what only GOG does: reviving classics, keeping them playable on modern PCs, and helping great games find their audience over time.”

Importantly, the relationship between CD PROJEKT and GOG isn’t ending. A new distribution agreement ensures that upcoming CD PROJEKT RED titles—including anticipated expansions to the Witcher and Cyberpunk series—will continue to launch on GOG. “For a long time now, GOG has been operating independently. Now it’s going into very good hands—we are convinced that with the support of Michał Kiciński, one of GOG’s co-founders, its future will be full of great projects and successes,” said Michał Nowakowski, Joint CEO of CD PROJEKT (CD PROJEKT). The handover is described by all parties as friendly, with CD PROJEKT’s own shares remaining untouched and the transaction fully financed by committed funding.

For the GOG community—patrons, preservation donors, and everyday users—the message is clear: their libraries and contributions remain secure. Funds donated to the Preservation Program will continue to support GOG’s core mission. The platform’s leadership is not only committed to keeping classics alive, but also to spotlighting new games that capture the retro spirit. Kiciński himself is involved in developing several such titles, expected to make their debut on GOG in 2026.

In the broader context, the sale highlights a defining moment in digital entertainment. As gaming platforms increasingly lock players into ecosystems and restrict ownership, GOG stands as a rare bastion of freedom and independence. Its focus on DRM-free, player-first policies is more than a market niche—it’s a philosophical stance on what it means to truly own a game. The fact that a co-founder would return to steer the platform, rather than an outside investor or tech giant, suggests a future shaped by passion rather than pure profit.

Looking ahead, GOG faces the challenge of sustaining its preservation mission in a fast-changing industry. With time threatening to erase beloved titles, GOG’s work grows ever more vital. The platform’s renewed independence, combined with its founder’s personal involvement, may prove to be the boost it needs to navigate these waters—and continue to offer a haven for gamers who value choice, ownership, and the joy of play across generations.

With the gaming market fragmenting and player rights under pressure, GOG’s acquisition by its co-founder is more than just a business transaction—it’s a reaffirmation of values. If the platform can harness this renewed focus, GOG may well remain the leading refuge for those who believe games should live forever. Sources: CD PROJEKT, HowToGeek, Gamereactor, Fudzilla.