GOG has updated Thief Gold as part of its Preservation Program, introducing several enhancements to the 1998 stealth title. This update arrives shortly after Nightdive Studios announced its own remaster of the game, which is set to bring modern resolutions and controller support.
The GOG Preservation Program is an initiative by the storefront to ensure games remain playable on modern systems. For Thief Gold, this includes adding German, French, and Polish localizations, updated graphics and audio defaults, improved UI scaling, and optimized controls. The integration of the latest NewDark 1.27 engine update is also part of the package.
Furthermore, GOG has incorporated gamepad support by integrating the Gamepad Mod and the GOG Input Wrapper. This feature provides full compatibility with modern controllers, including radial menus, customizable controls, rumble functionality, and support for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Logitech, and Amazon Luna controllers.
Owners of Thief Gold on GOG will receive these updates automatically without needing to repurchase the game. The bundle also includes the original, pre-Gold version of the game, known as The Dark Project, for players who wish to experience it in its initial state.
This particular update to Thief Gold is notable as it is the first game to be added to the Preservation Program as a result of GOG Patron voting. Subscribers to GOG's monthly support program voted for Thief to receive this treatment. The current voting round for the next game to be added to the Preservation Program is underway, with options including Nox, Lands of Lore 1 & 2, Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor, Silver, and Albion.