In a bold move that’s sure to spark debate, GOG’s original co-founder, Michał Kiciński, has reclaimed the reins of the beloved PC gaming store—and he’s doubling down on its anti-DRM stance, even if it means leaving money on the table. At the tail end of 2025, The Witcher 3 developer CD Projekt Red announced the sale of GOG to Kiciński, leaving many to wonder: would the platform’s principles survive under new leadership? After 13 years away, would Kiciński pivot the now-independent storefront toward a more mainstream, profit-driven model? But here’s where it gets controversial: In a recent interview with GI.biz, Kiciński not only reaffirmed GOG’s commitment to DRM-free gaming but also hinted at a strategy that could challenge Steam’s dominance—without compromising its values.
Originally launched in 2008 as Good Old Games, GOG was born out of a frustration with the gaming industry’s reliance on restrictive digital rights management (DRM) software. Back then, DRM was a gamer’s nightmare: discs that required constant insertion, arbitrary installation limits, and the worst offender—online checks that rendered games unplayable without an internet connection. All of this was supposedly to combat piracy, but in reality, it only punished legitimate buyers. Pirated versions, meanwhile, were often stripped of DRM within hours of release. GOG’s solution? Sell classic games without any DRM, giving players the freedom to enjoy their purchases without hassle.
Fast forward 18 years, and GOG’s stance remains unchanged. Kiciński’s return isn’t just a nostalgic trip—it’s a calculated bet. Speaking to GI.biz, he revealed that he sees “huge opportunities” for GOG’s growth, even in a market dominated by Steam. And this is the part most people miss: Instead of trying to outdo Steam in every category, Kiciński plans to focus on what GOG does best—catering to classic game enthusiasts and partnering with indie developers who share its DRM-free philosophy. Games like Clair Obscur and Hollow Knight: Silksong prove that there’s a thriving ecosystem beyond the mega-publishers, and as part of the sale, CD Projekt Red’s titles will remain on GOG for at least six more years—a significant boost.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: Is GOG’s anti-DRM stance financially sustainable? Kiciński admits GOG wasn’t a cash cow for CD Projekt Red, but he’s not deterred. He views Steam’s 80% market share not as an insurmountable barrier but as an opportunity. “It’ll be difficult for them to defend the market,” he argues, suggesting that GOG’s niche focus could chip away at Steam’s dominance.
When pressed about DRM, Kiciński was unapologetic. “It’s a core value of GOG, and there’s no sign it’ll change anytime soon,” he stated, calling it both an ethical and pragmatic choice. And in a refreshingly candid moment, he didn’t hold back his criticism of publishers who cling to DRM: “Most corporate people make plain stupid decisions.”
But here’s the question that’ll keep you up at night: Can GOG’s idealism thrive in an industry increasingly dominated by profit-driven giants? Or will its commitment to DRM-free gaming eventually force it to compromise? Kiciński’s vision is clear, but the road ahead is anything but certain.
What do you think? Is GOG’s anti-DRM stance a noble but doomed effort, or the future of gaming? Let’s debate it in the comments—and while you’re at it, check out the full interview on GI.biz for more insights into GOG’s future.
