GOG, the DRM-free PC storefront known for preserving older games, has moved from under CD Projekt Red to new ownership: Michal Kicinski, a co-founder of GOG who helped launch the service in 2008 when it operated under CD Projekt Red. Kicinski's return to leadership marks a rare continuity in which the brand is steered by one of its original architects rather than a distant corporate executive.
The company announced plans to pursue ambitious expansion of its catalog of classic titles, describing the effort as rescue missions for older games, with work slated to begin next year.
Kicinski's move places GOG back in the hands of a founder with deep ties to its mission: delivering DRM-free access to classic PC games and preserving them for future generations.
Industry observers see the shift as a signal of renewed focus on preservation and catalog curation as a competitive differentiator in a crowded PC storefront landscape.
PCGamer covered the transition, noting Kicinski's dual role as a GOG co-founder and CD Projekt Red co-founder and framing the change as a strategic pivot for the platform.
The move could influence relationships with publishers and developers as GOG outlines a path toward more aggressive catalog expansion through rescue missions and longer-term ambitions.
Where the rescue missions will lead in the coming year remains to be seen, but the development signals a broader industry trend toward preservation-led business models and independent stewardship of historic catalogs.
