# GOG’s Preservation Initiative: Revitalizing Classic Games for Today’s Players
In a time when digital storefronts such as Steam and Epic Games Store dominate the PC gaming sphere, **GOG (Good Old Games)** distinguishes itself with its dedication to **DRM-free** gaming experiences. Although GOG continues to enrich its library with new releases, the focus has recently returned to its origins—safeguarding classic games. Through the inception of the **GOG Preservation Initiative**, the platform is making a noteworthy investment in ensuring that cherished classics remain available and enjoyable for future gamers.
## The Condition of Classic PC Games
According to GOG, the market for classic PC games is currently in a “poor condition.” Numerous older titles have been left behind by their developers and publishers, resulting in significant **compatibility challenges** as technology progresses. These challenges encompass outdated software dependencies and hardware mismatches, complicating the ability for contemporary gamers to engage with these earlier titles.
Nonetheless, classic games still represent **20% of GOG’s inventory**, despite the company not officially identifying itself as “Good Old Games” for over ten years. Now, with the roll-out of the **GOG Preservation Initiative**, the organization is reaffirming its mission to maintain the vitality of these games.
## The GOG Preservation Initiative: A Dedication to Heritage
The GOG Preservation Initiative reflects a **”substantial allocation of resources”** aimed at ensuring that classic titles remain functional on modern systems. The initiative is debuting with **100 games**, each adorned with a unique “Good Old Game: Preserved by GOG” emblem. This mark indicates that GOG’s developers have taken steps to confirm the game is DRM-free, compatible with both existing and forthcoming hardware, and provided with continuous technical support.
The preservation endeavor is not solely about making these games playable in the present but also ensuring they remain viable in the long term. This initiative is a response to growing worries that numerous classic games are becoming non-functional as technology progresses.
## A Return to GOG’s Foundations
While GOG has broadened its roster to feature newer titles, the company is thrilled about this renewed emphasis on classic games. As stated by **Arthur Dejardin**, head of sales marketing at GOG, the company believes it can make a **”meaningful impact”** on the classics sector by channeling resources into the preservation of these older titles. Dejardin mentions that GOG has explored various tactics to introduce new AAA games to its platform, but they believe concentrating on classics will produce more favorable outcomes.
This renewed focus is partly inspired by GOG’s involvement with **”Alpha Protocol,”** a revered spy RPG that the platform revitalized with enhanced stability and new achievements. The achievement of this project has spurred GOG to invest more significantly in the preservation of other classic games.
## Notable Titles in the Preservation Initiative
The first wave of preserved games features some of the most cherished titles in PC gaming history. Among these are:
– **Jagged Alliance** series
– **System Shock 2**
– **Warcraft I & II**
– **Dungeon Keeper Gold**
– **Theme Park**
– **SimCity 3000 Unlimited**
– **Wing Commander** series (including **Privateer**)
These games are not only **excellent** but also **nostalgic**, symbolizing a golden age of PC gaming. While the majority of the preserved titles are currently **Windows-only**, GOG has provided **Mac support** for 34 titles, and **Linux** support could expand through **Proton compatibility**. Currently, 19 titles offer native Linux support.
## The Difficulties of Game Preservation
Preserving classic titles is not merely a matter of adapting them for modern platforms. GOG has faced various technical challenges to guarantee these games operate seamlessly. For instance:
– **Heroes of Might & Magic III** was popular in Central and Eastern Europe due to its compatibility with older computers and support for hot-seat multiplayer. GOG needed to ensure the game remained playable on contemporary hardware.
– The original **Diablo** required adjustments to eliminate outdated references related to TCP/IP settings and CD insertion requests, in addition to resolving mouse and upscaling issues.
– The **Resident Evil** bundle, inclusive of the first three titles in the series, required numerous modifications to secure smooth gameplay.
However, not every game can earn the “Preserved” emblem. As **Urszula Jach-Jaki**, GOG’s Managing Director, articulated in a **Destructoid interview**, certain games are constrained by **contractual agreements** that restrict GOG from altering the game build. In such instances, GOG may only repackage the game with an emulator like **DOSBox** and offer it as-is. Nonetheless, exceptions exist, such as the **Unity port of The Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall**, which received substantial updates.
## The Significance of Game Preservation
Game preservation transcends simply maintaining old games in a
