CD Projekt has bought its DRM-free PC storefront GOG to former co-founder MichaΕ KiciΕski for 90.7 million Polish zlotys (roughly $25.2 million). KiciΕski can also be a co-founder of CD Projekt itself and at the moment holds 10% of the share capital of the enterprise.
KiciΕski co-founded GOG in 2008 and has run it throughout the CD Projekt group for over 17 years. In accordance with an FAQ posted on-line, the GOG sale “suits” into CD Projekt’s long-term technique. CD Projekt, the Polish firm behind blockbusters “The Witcher 3” and “Cyberpunk 2077,” says it needs to deal with online game improvement and different tasks. CD Projekt is at the moment creating The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2.
“The sale of GOG suits into CD Projekt’s long-term technique,” the assertion stated. “CD Projekt needs to stay dedicated to creating the very best high quality RPGs and offering our followers with different types of branded leisure. This settlement permits CD Projekt to take care of that focus, whereas giving GOG even stronger help to pursue its personal mission.”
KiciΕski commented: “From the start, GOG has at all times been constructed on robust values ββand clear rules. When Marcin Iwinski and I got here up with the thought for GOG, the imaginative and prescient was easy: to convey basic video games again to gamers and make it possible for as soon as you purchase a sport, it is really yours – without end.”
GOG stated it can function independently and proceed its DRM-free philosophy. Following the sale, CD Projekt and GOG entered right into a distribution settlement specifying the phrases of future cooperation, together with CD Projekt Crimson’s plans to launch future video games on GOG.
βCD Projekt and GOG share the identical roots and values ββof freedom, independence, and true possession,β Kicinski continued. βWe consider that CD Projekt, with its nice AAA video games, will proceed to help GOG’s merchandise as at all times. GOG would be the finest place on the planet to purchase The Witcher and Cyberpunk video games, each current titles and the brand new releases we’re enthusiastic about.
“As a mature gamer myself, I typically play basic video games myself and deeply admire the creativity behind a lot of them. I actually consider {that a} well-made basic can present simply as a lot pleasure as a brand new launch. Relating to pure playability, I typically discover that timeless video games are literally a secure guess, particularly in a market flooded with billions of low-quality, smaller video games. GOG Along with preserving the classics, we have at all times been in search of new video games with a retro spirit. I am personally concerned within the improvement of a number of such video games, and I am positive extra will come to GOG in 2026.”
MichaΕ Nowakowski, co-CEO of CD Projekt, added: βWe felt now was the best time to make this transfer as we at the moment are totally centered on our bold improvement roadmap and increasing our franchise with high-quality new merchandise.β
“For a very long time, GOG has been working independently. It’s now in superb arms. With the help of MichaΕ KiΕski, one in every of GOG’s co-founders, I’m assured that its future might be stuffed with nice tasks and successes. I want to thank the GOG workforce for his or her fruitful cooperation over time and want all of them one of the best. And to everybody within the GOG group, I say “See you quickly.” As a result of our future releases will naturally be accessible on GOG. oh pricey. β
GOG has lengthy competed with Steam for the hearts and minds of PC avid gamers by counting on its no-DRM coverage, despite the fact that Valve’s platform stays the clear market chief. The FAQ requested, “Is GOG financially unstable?” I’m requested. The official reply is not any. “GOG has had a secure and really encouraging yr,” the assertion stated. “In actual fact, avid gamers’ enthusiasm for our mission is stronger than ever.” GOG not too long ago made headlines for endorsing indie sport Horses after it was banned from Steam by Valve.
From a consumer’s perspective, nothing appears to alter right here. As for CD Projekt, it might probably now take away GOG, which employed 1,335 employees at its newest rely, from the enterprise. The Witcher franchise contains the aforementioned Witcher 4, The Witcher Remake, and Venture Sirius as a part of the brand new Witcher trilogy starring Ciri. Cyberpunk 2 and a brand new IP, Venture Hadar, are additionally in improvement.
Wesley is videogameaddicted’s Director of Information. Discover me on Twitter @wyp100. Wesley will be reached at wesley_yinpoole@videogameaddicted.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.