Universe of Warcraft is experiencing a moment of transition that has generated both anticipation and controversy. GOG announced that the original version Warcraft: Orcs & Humans and Warcraft II It will disappear from your catalog on December 27th. In parallel, Blizzard released remasters of these two classic titles, adapted to current graphic and technical standards. This dual movement raises an inevitable debate: is it possible to balance historic preservation and commercial modernization?

Born as Good Old Games, GOG has established itself as the go-to platform for those nostalgic for classic video games, thanks to its commitment to keeping the legacy of great works alive by adapting them to modern systems. This spirit crystallized recently with its conservation programwhere titles like Warcraft 1+2 They had an important place. However, pulling these original games due to expired licenses defeats its mission and leaves the future of other titles in similar circumstances up in the air.

At the same time, Blizzard took a step forward by releasing remastered versions Warcraft I and II, available through Battle.net. These editions include hand-drawn graphics, interface improvements, and the ability to switch between classic and updated layouts in real time. Titles can be purchased individually or as part of a special package, the so-called Warcraft Remastered Battle Chestwhich also includes Warcraft III: Reforged.

The contrast between the two movements does not go unnoticed. On the one hand, remasters offer a renewed experience that respects the original spirit of the games and makes them accessible to new generations. On the other hand, the removal of the original versions from GOG raises questions about the importance of preserving these works in their original format, as a testament to their time and the influence they had on the development of the RTS genre.

This dilemma is not new, but the case Warcraft brings him back into the limelight. Video game preservation faces constant legal and technical challengesand while platforms like GOG fight to keep the classics alive, intellectual property rights often tip the balance towards proprietary companies that favor more profitable initiatives like remasters.

Although Blizzard has done an excellent job revitalizing it Warcraft I and II, the fact that these remastered versions are replacing the originals on platforms like GOG generates a certain loss of historical context. No matter how much the graphics or interface have been modernized, the original games are invaluable as a reflection of the technical limitations and creative design of their time.

Ultimately, this situation reminds us of the fragility of the digital approach to video game history. While we enjoy the new remastered versions, it’s important not to lose sight of the fact that Without clear conservation initiatives, many gems of the past could be consigned to oblivion. Despite this setback, GOG remains one of the great allies of the collective memory of video games. Hopefully one day the original orcs and humans will be able to return to their ranks.