Michał Kiciński, founder of GOG and CD Projekt, obtains full ownership of GOG

Michał Kiciński, one of the founders of CD Projekt, has taken full ownership of GOG, the digital games store that champions a DRM-free approach. While GOG was co-founded by Kiciński back in 2008 and has been a part of CD Projekt through its subsidiary, this transition marks Kiciński’s complete control. He reassured that the platform will maintain its independence, continuing to advocate for gamers and developers with its commitment to DRM-free content.

“The goal remains unchanged: Ensuring Games Live Forever,” the company stated.

Kiciński commented on this significant development, highlighting that GOG is embarking on a new journey. He emphasized the re-dedication to their core mission: reviving classic games and building an extensive library for gamers.

He expressed that both CD Projekt and GOG share fundamental values such as freedom, independence, and a strong sense of ownership. Kiciński believes that CD Projekt’s renowned AAA games will only bolster GOG’s offerings, reinforcing it as the premier destination for acquiring titles like The Witcher and Cyberpunk.

As a seasoned gamer, Kiciński personally enjoys classic games and appreciates the artistry behind them, asserting that these well-crafted titles can evoke as much joy as contemporary releases. He noted that timeless games often provide a more reliable gaming experience, especially in a market saturated with lower-quality titles. GOG is not only committed to preserving these classics but is also actively seeking out new games that embody this retro spirit, with plans to showcase several such titles in 2026.

Michał Nowakowski, co-CEO of CD Projekt, remarked that with their strategic focus on ambitious development and the expansion of existing franchises, this was an opportune moment for the transition. With GOG’s long-standing independent operations, he is confident that Kiciński’s leadership will pave the way for exciting projects and future successes.

As part of this acquisition, GOG has secured a distribution agreement with CD Projekt, ensuring that all upcoming releases from CD Projekt Red will be available on the platform.

GOG has also garnered attention for its commitment to diverse game offerings, even standing by Santa Ragione’s controversial horror title, Horses, when other platforms decided to remove it. GOG aims to empower players with the freedom to choose their games while giving creators the opportunity to share their artistic visions.

Furthermore, GOG is dedicated to game preservation. In November of last year, they announced the establishment of a Preservation Program aimed at guaranteeing that games remain compatible with both present and future systems. They have also joined the European Federation of Game Archives, Museums and Preservation Projects (EFGAMP) to further advocate for the safeguarding of gaming heritage.