GOG is Launching an Official Preservation Program for Video Games
Colin Smith — November 14, 2024 — Tech
GOG has introduced the GOG Preservation Program to ensure that classic PC games remain playable on modern systems. Announced on the occasion of GOG's 16th anniversary, the program aims to maintain the compatibility of select PC games for years to come. The initial launch includes 100 games, such as System Shock 2, Diablo, and Myst, with plans to add more titles from their existing catalog and new classic releases. By committing its own resources to restoring these games, GOG ensures that they are updated or quality-tested to fix any bugs that could prevent them from running smoothly on current and future operating systems.
The Preservation Program also includes an official "Preserved by GOG" stamp and a "Preservation Log" that details any enhancements made to each game. This initiative is part of GOG's mission to make games live forever, providing DRM-free versions with dedicated tech support. The company highlights that 87% of games created before 2010 are currently inaccessible, and the Preservation Program aims to address this issue by making these iconic titles available and playable for future generations.
Image Credit: GOG
The Preservation Program also includes an official "Preserved by GOG" stamp and a "Preservation Log" that details any enhancements made to each game. This initiative is part of GOG's mission to make games live forever, providing DRM-free versions with dedicated tech support. The company highlights that 87% of games created before 2010 are currently inaccessible, and the Preservation Program aims to address this issue by making these iconic titles available and playable for future generations.
Image Credit: GOG
Trend Themes
1. Digital Preservation - Ensuring the longevity of digital content like classic PC games offers new opportunities to drive engagement in nostalgic and archival content spaces.
2. Nostalgic Gaming - Revamping and re-releasing vintage PC games for modern systems taps into the growing demand for nostalgic gaming experiences among newer generations.
3. Drm-free Content - Providing DRM-free versions of games allows for a more user-friendly and flexible gaming experience, attracting gamers seeking less restrictive digital rights management.
Industry Implications
1. Video Game Development - The restoration and re-release of classic PC games require advanced development skills, opening up avenues for specialization in legacy game updates.
2. Software Testing - Ensuring compatibility and bug-free experiences on modern operating systems for old games increases the need for meticulous and continuous software testing services.
3. Digital Archiving - The rise of preserving digital artifacts, such as video games, underscores the importance of robust digital archiving solutions that can be implemented across various media.
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