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- GOG’s Game Preservation Program helps keep classic games playable on modern PC configurations, ensuring they aren’t lost.
- Unlike many platforms, GOG offers DRM-free games, meaning players truly own their purchases and can access them anytime.
- With digital gaming on the rise, preservation is crucial, and companies like Sony, and Microsoft also working to keep classic titles accessible.
Video games have been a part of many people’s lives. They bring back classic memories of childhood, and fun times with friends and family. However, as technology advances, many players are unable to play old PC games, like The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth, Silent Hill 2, etc, on modern devices.
GOG, a well-known PC platform, decided to do something about it. So, that’s why they launched their Game Preservation Program to keep classic games alive for future generations, though it currently focuses only on PC games.
Why GOG’s Game Preservation Program Matters
Unlike movies, or books, video games require specific hardware and software to run and without updates, they won’t work on all devices. According to a study, almost 87% of games released before 2010 are now unplayable. If nothing is done to save these gems, we or future generations will likely never experience them again.
Nowadays, Many games are sold online, with fewer physical copies available. This shift to digital gaming has affected game preservation because we don’t truly own the games we buy, giving companies more control over them.
As a result, developers sometimes stop updating old games, causing them to become incompatible with new devices. Additionally, companies may remove games from online stores, similar to what happened with Atlas Rogues, making them unavailable for purchase. This trend puts gaming history at risk of being lost forever.
To combat this, GOG’s Game Preservation Program ensures classic games remain playable on modern PC hardware, even if developers no longer support them. The program started with 100 specific games, including Diablo, System Shock 2, and Resident Evil 1-3. Hopefully, more games will be added over time.
This program ensures games run smoothly on current and future PC configurations and provides technical support for any issues. Players also get all the manuals, booklets, DLCs, and extra content, ensuring that the game is not only playable but also as complete and authentic as possible.
What Makes GOG’s Efforts Special
To make old games run smoothly and efficiently on the latest devices, GOG does a lot of work behind the scenes. This includes tweaking game files, updating compatibility settings, and sometimes even modifying emulators like DOSBox to enhance performance.
For example, Wing Commander III had issues with the German-language version, which GOG fixed in 2016. Later, in 2019, the company added cloud saves. Today, the game runs smoothly on Windows 10 and 11. These improvements allow players to enjoy the gameplay as before without the technical issues.
GOG is one of the few game preservation platforms taking action. One thing that makes GOG different from platforms, like Steam, is its DRM-free library. Once you buy a game, it’s yours forever, even if GOG shuts down in the future. You can download an offline installer, store it on your computer, and play whenever you want.
Nowadays, many companies prioritize selling new games over supporting older ones. In contrast, GOG acknowledges that older game preservation is essential to experience some of the best classics from the past. That’s why GOG is actively working to save these games, ensuring players can continue enjoying them for years.
Will GOG Keep Expanding This Program
GOG wants this program to continue growing, and they have plans to support at least 500 games by the end of 2025. They will likely keep adding more in the future as well. If GOG continues at this pace, it will become one of the go-to platforms for game preservation.
Nowadays more gamers choose digital gaming over physical discs due to the ease. But gamers also want more backward-compatible games so they can continue playing classic titles on modern consoles and don’t lose access to their favorite titles.
That’s why, Sony and Microsoft also committed to the preservation of classic games with their backward compatibility with the latest hardware. If more companies take video game preservation seriously, the future of classic gaming will be much brighter.
While many companies focus on new games, GOG focuses on ensuring the past is not forgotten. For now, GOG remains one of the few major platforms actively working to keep beloved classic games from disappearing forever.
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Dayan Shahid is a skilled mechanical engineer passionate about technology. With certifications in various programming languages and subjects ranging from microcontrollers to aerial robotics, Dayan can effortlessly present complex technical topics in an engaging way. His ability to bridge the gap between theory and practical applications sets him apart as he continues to inspire others through their insightful content.
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