Game distributor GOG articulates the strategic importance of extensive game preservation in the industry.
The Battle over Video Game Preservation: A Clash of Interests or a Symbiosis?
Tensions run high in the realm of video game preservation, with industry heavyweights like the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and digital marketplaces, such as GOG, clashing over the proper approach. The ESA argues that making older games publicly available in digital libraries could jeopardize the commercial interests of intellectual property holders. Conversely, GOG, aCD Projekt-owned marketplace, posits that maintaining classic games for future generations is essential for its business growth.
Marcin Paczynski, GOG's Senior Business Development Manager, highlighted the company's commitment to game preservation at the 2025 our websites Conference. Last year in November, GOG unveiled the GOG Preservation Platform (GPP), an initiative ensuring games sold through the platform maintain compatibility with future PC generations.
The GPP isn't merely a label. GOG engineers work diligently behind the scenes to tackle compatibility issues with every game, utilizing a custom DirectX wrapper. This allows games originally developed for MS-DOS to run seamlessly on modern versions of Windows. These improvements also enable GOG engineers to solve compatibility issues without updating each game individually.
However, GOG's commercial venture targeting preservation isn't just good business-it's crucial for making classic video games accessible to the public. Disheartened by faulty assumptions, GOG discovered that only 30% of the games on their platform were fully compatible with modern machines. They also discovered that people had no idea about the hard work GOG engineers put into maintaining these older games.
Addressing this knowledge gap is a top priority for GOG. As Paczynski explains, Steam is a great place to purchase new games, while GOG offers an unparalleled selection of classic titles. GOG's DRM-free business model has ignited the fire of this project, making it solely focused on long-term preservation-a task that traditional DRM systems can't guarantee.
Developing and maintaining the DirectX wrapper is a costly affair, but it's been made commercially viable thanks to advancements in tooling and sufficient revenue generated by GOG. Publishers have also embraced this preservation initiative, as it doesn't demand additional funding from them.
Preserving older games requires a continuous effort, and the commercial focus of projects like the GPP seems to have made it feasible. However, there are still significant hurdles to overcome, such as obtaining the rights to sell older games and dealing with potential lawsuits from owners.
GOG also looks towards modding communities as key contributors to preserving classic games. These communities have kept many titles alive with their creative modifications. By collaborating with these enthusiasts and preserving their work alongside the games themselves, GOG hopes to create a comprehensive collection of classic gaming experiences.
Despite the challenges, Paczynski remains optimistic about the progress of game preservation on GOG. With the public's support and continued efforts from publishers, GOG aims to keep classic games running on modern systems for generations to come.
- The commitment to game preservation at GOG extends beyond their business interests, as they strive to ensure a sustainable-living approach by making classic video games accessible to the public.
- In addition to video games, GOG offers a wide variety of products that cater to diverse lifestyles, such as lifestyle, home-and-garden, and gadgets, making it more than just a digital marketplace for retro games.
- The finance sector might also find interest in GOG's preservation initiatives, as it presents an investment opportunity in technology and an environment that encourages innovation within the industry.
- Expanding beyond the gaming realm, GOG's preservation project could potentially impact the retail industry, as they aim to revitalize and maintain accessibility to older products, fostering a sense of nostalgia and customer engagement.
