There are many who do not know, although it is not exactly a secret, that the name of GOG, the game store where we should go when looking for both classic games and DRM-free titles, It’s nothing but shorthand for good old gamesi.e. the Good Old Games… come on, the classics that we enjoyed back then and always like to revive, or that are being discovered and explored by new generations, either out of pure cultural interest or because they can reach and enjoy them just like us who originally experienced them then.

Today, GOG took another step in its mission to keep these “good old games” alive starting the protection program. This program is designed to ensure that selected classic titles not only remain available, but are also fully compatible with modern hardware and software. To achieve this, GOG works directly to technically update these games and works with organizations such as the Video Game History Foundation, an association dedicated to the preservation of video games, to also preserve the historical and cultural context surrounding these titles. The platform thus offers not only the opportunity to play them, but also to understand their value as pieces of cultural heritage that refuses to be forgotten.

This new initiative does not come without precedent. In 2021, GOG.com faced financial pressures that led the company to consider adjustments to its business model, creating uncertainty about the future of its catalog of classic games. However, the platform decided to reaffirm its focus on old games and During 2022, it launched a special section for these titles under the name “Good Old Games”, thus restoring the original spirit of its brand. Additionally, by making these classic games more visible and accessible, GOG has attracted a user base that shares the same passion for preserving and reviving iconic titles from the past.

Preserving video games is no easy task. It requires overcoming technical difficulties to ensure that titles designed to run on hardware many generations ago work properly on a modern device. In addition, this means keeping the gaming experience as faithful as possible to the original, respecting the visual and audio elements that characterize each title. Through the Preservation Program, GOG not only preserves these games in their playable format, but also works with experts to document the historical context that makes them special, allowing both experienced players and new generations to enjoy and understand their importance.

With this new initiative, GOG.com is positioning itself as video game protection linksolving a problem that is increasingly relevant in a rapidly developing industry. This effort, in addition to enriching the experience of its users, ensures that video games that have defined generations can continue to be part of the collective culture. At a time when many titles are becoming obsolete due to loss of compatibility, and when many developers and distributors do not hesitate to “delete” some of their titles forever, GOG.com takes even more firmly the role of guardian of the digital heritage of video games, a commitment that goes beyond mere distribution and places the platform at the forefront of protection culture in this industry.

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