GOG is officially leaving CD Projekt, and the move answers a question many PC gamers are asking: will the DRM-free storefront stay true to its roots? The answer appears to be yes. GOG has been acquired by its co-founder Michał Kiciński in a $25.2 million deal, making the PC game store an independent company once again. The transition keeps GOG’s core mission intact while setting the stage for a more focused future. For players who value ownership over licenses, the announcement signals continuity rather than disruption.
GOG splits from CD Projekt after 17 years
GOG confirmed that it has formally separated from CD Projekt, the Polish game studio that launched the platform back in 2008. The acquisition includes both the GOG digital storefront and the GOG Galaxy client, placing full control back in the hands of one of its original founders. While CD Projekt remains closely associated with GOG in the minds of many fans, the companies will now operate independently. The move reflects a strategic shift rather than a fallout. According to the announcement, both sides see the separation as a way to sharpen their respective priorities.
DRM-free gaming remains GOG’s core promise
GOG made it clear that its DRM-free philosophy is not only staying but becoming even more central to its identity. The company reiterated its long-standing belief that when players buy a game, they should own it permanently. That stance stands in contrast to an industry increasingly dominated by always-online clients and locked ecosystems. GOG’s leadership framed the decision as a recommitment to player rights rather than a business gamble. For longtime users, this reassurance may be the most important takeaway from the news.
Preservation and classic games take center stage
Game preservation has always been a defining part of GOG’s appeal, and the company says the new ownership will allow it to double down on that mission. The platform plans to continue reviving classic titles while ensuring they run smoothly on modern hardware. Beyond nostalgia, GOG also wants to spotlight contemporary games with retro sensibilities. By controlling its own direction, GOG believes it can move faster in curating and restoring games that might otherwise disappear. This focus aligns closely with growing concerns about digital preservation in gaming.
GOG and CD Projekt will still work together
Despite the split, GOG’s relationship with CD Projekt is far from over. CD Projekt games, including The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077, will continue to be sold on the platform. Future titles from the studio are also expected to remain available. This ongoing partnership helps ease concerns about content loss or exclusivity changes. For players, the storefront experience is unlikely to change in the short term.
Why independence could matter for PC gamers
Independence gives GOG more freedom to make decisions without balancing the priorities of a major game studio. That could translate into more aggressive preservation efforts, better curation, and stronger advocacy for consumer-friendly policies. In a PC market dominated by Steam and publisher-controlled launchers, GOG occupies a unique niche. The company’s renewed autonomy may help it compete not on scale, but on values. For gamers tired of restrictive platforms, that differentiation still matters.
What happens next for GOG in 2026
GOG describes this moment as the beginning of a new chapter rather than a reset. The company plans to invest in both its storefront and community tools while staying committed to DRM-free releases. Although no major product changes were announced, expectations are high that independence will bring sharper focus. As digital ownership debates intensify, GOG’s stance positions it as a counterweight in the PC gaming ecosystem. For now, the message is simple: GOG is changing hands, not its principles.
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