Announced during the company’s 16th-anniversary celebrations, the program is a commitment to ensuring that classic titles remain accessible and playable on modern systems.
Preserving gaming history
GOG’s Preservation Program sets out to adapt older games for compatibility with contemporary hardware while providing ongoing technical support. The program launches with 100 classic games, including fan favorites like Heroes of Might and Magic 3, Diablo + Hellfire, and Fallout: New Vegas. Each title undergoes quality assurance testing before being included in the program.
“We’re thrilled to announce this initiative,” GOG said in a tweet. “Our goal is to make games live forever and bring attention back to what has been at the core of our work for 16 years: video game preservation.”
The program also responds to concerns raised by The Video Game History Foundation, which reported that 87% of games created before 2010 are no longer commercially available. GOG is determined to reduce this figure and ensure gaming heritage is not lost to time.
How it works
- Technical overhaul: Each game selected for the program is updated to run seamlessly on modern systems. This includes stability patches, compatibility improvements, and technical support.
- Good Old Games stamp: Games in the program are marked with the "Good Old Games" seal on the platform, indicating official support.
- Expanding library: While the program starts with 100 titles, GOG has hinted at plans to add "hundreds" more by the end of 2025.
Not just for retro titles
Interestingly, the program is not limited to decades-old games. Recent releases could also qualify if they require technical assistance or compatibility fixes. This approach ensures a dynamic library that evolves with the needs of gamers.
Community-driven preservation
The GOG team has invited feedback from gamers to identify which titles should be prioritized for inclusion. This collaborative approach highlights the platform’s commitment to fostering a community around video game preservation.
“For over 15 years, preserving video games has been our driving mission. We made a promise to game developers that if they gave us the green light, we would ensure their titles remained accessible—even on modern systems,” GOG said.
The GOG Preservation Program marks a significant milestone in the effort to safeguard gaming history. As more titles are added and technical support expands, GOG continues to position itself as a champion of classic games, ensuring that both nostalgic and new audiences can experience gaming’s rich past.
For the full list of supported titles and updates on the initiative, visit the GOG website.
(jh)
Source: Gry-online.pl, GOG.com