The gaming world just witnessed a significant realignment as Michał Kiciński, a co-founder and major shareholder of CD PROJEKT, has reacquired GOG for PLN 90.7 million.

Formerly an integral part of the CD PROJEKT Group, GOG is known as the leading DRM-free digital distribution platform, fiercely committed to its mission of making games “live forever.”

This move is a return to roots, promising renewed focus for a platform that champions player ownership in an increasingly “locked-in” digital landscape.

Kiciński, a pioneer in the Polish video game industry and a co-founder of GOG back in 2008, articulated the platform’s enduring philosophy: “From the very beginning, GOG has always been built on strong values and clear principles… the vision was simple: bring classic games back to players and ensure that once you buy a game, it truly belongs to you — forever.”

In an era where digital rights management (DRM) and subscription models dominate, GOG’s commitment to truly owning your purchased games feels almost contrarian.

Under this new, independent ownership, GOG is set to double down on its core values. Kiciński confidently stated his belief that CD PROJEKT, now a distinct entity, will “stand, as always, behind the GOG offering,” making it “the best place on the planet to purchase The Witcher and Cyberpunk games.”

This reassurance is crucial for fans, confirming that future blockbuster titles from CD PROJEKT RED will still be available on the platform, despite the separation.

Kiciński’s personal passion for classic games also shines through. “As a mature gamer, I often play classic games myself and deeply admire the creativity behind many of them,” he noted, highlighting their timeless playability, especially in a market “flooded with gazillions of low-quality smaller games.”

He plans to actively involve GOG in supporting “new games with a retro spirit,” promising their “strong appearance on GOG in 2026.” This could breathe new life into an often-overlooked segment of the gaming industry.

From CD PROJEKT’s perspective, this split allows them to focus “fully on an ambitious development roadmap and expanding our franchises with new high-quality products,” according to Joint CEO Michał Nowakowski.

It suggests GOG, despite its strong identity, may have been a distraction for the AAA game developer. Nowakowski expressed confidence in Kiciński’s leadership, wishing the GOG team “all the best” and reassuring the community that CD PROJEKT RED’s upcoming releases will “naturally be available on GOG as well.”

The acquisition, fully financed through committed funding and not involving Kiciński’s CD PROJEKT shares, ensures GOG’s independence is both philosophical and financial. With a distribution agreement already signed, this separation appears to be an amicable, strategic move beneficial to both parties.

For gamers, particularly those who cherish game preservation and true digital ownership, this refocus on GOG’s founding principles could very well be the news they’ve been waiting for.