GOG, the digital storefront widely recognized for its stance against digital rights management (DRM), is entering a new phase after being fully acquired by Michał Kiciński, one of the original founders of CD Projekt. The move marks a formal separation between the gaming platform and the studio behind The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077, as CD Projekt narrows its focus to game development and franchise expansion.
The decision was disclosed through an announcement on CD Projekt’s official website, confirming that the company has transferred complete ownership of GOG to Kiciński. While the platform was originally launched under CD Projekt’s umbrella, the company said the change reflects its long-term strategy to streamline operations and prioritize its core development projects.
Both parties stressed that the transition does not signal a shift in GOG’s direction or philosophy. Instead, it formalizes a structure that has largely been in place for years, with GOG operating independently even before the ownership change.
GOG Returns to One of Its Founding Visionaries
With the acquisition, GOG now belongs entirely to one of the people who helped shape its identity from the beginning. Kiciński, who co-founded CD Projekt alongside Marcin Iwiński, was instrumental in launching GOG in 2008. At the time, the platform was designed to revive classic PC games and sell them without DRM, allowing players to download, archive, and play titles without restrictions tied to online authentication.
Kiciński has emphasized that the principles established at GOG’s founding remain unchanged. “From the very beginning, GOG has always been built on strong values and clear principles,” he said. “When Marcin Iwiński and I came up with the ideas for GOG, the vision was simple: bring classic games back to players and ensure that once you buy a game, it truly belongs to you — forever.”
That philosophy has become increasingly rare in a market dominated by always-online requirements and time-limited access models.
DRM-Free Access Reaffirmed as a Core Promise
Following the announcement, GOG addressed user concerns directly by reaffirming its long-standing DRM-free policy. In a blog post, the company said the ownership transition would not affect how players access or manage their libraries.
“DRM-free is more central to GOG than ever,” the company stated. “Your library stays yours to enjoy: same access, same offline installers, same sense of ownership. Your data stays with GOG, and GOG Galaxy remains optional.”
For customers, this means previously purchased games will not be removed or locked behind subscription tiers, and offline installers will continue to be available. The optional nature of the GOG Galaxy client also remains unchanged, allowing users to manage their libraries without mandatory software.
Industry Consolidation Adds Context to the Move
The announcement comes at a time when the video game industry is becoming increasingly consolidated. A handful of major corporations—including Sony, Tencent, Microsoft, Nintendo, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, and Take-Two Interactive—now dominate much of the global market. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard King further concentrated ownership across development studios and publishing pipelines.
Alongside consolidation, subscription-based services have become more prominent, shifting the concept of game ownership toward ongoing access rather than permanent possession. In many cases, titles included in these services can disappear with little warning, fueling concerns among players about preservation and long-term access.
Within this landscape, any ownership change involving a platform like GOG naturally raises questions about its future independence and values.
CD Projekt Signals Confidence and Continuity
CD Projekt sought to ease those concerns by emphasizing that GOG has long functioned as an independent business unit and that the handover strengthens rather than weakens its prospects.
“For a long time now, GOG has been operating independently,” the company said in its statement. “Now it’s going into very good hands — we are convinced that with the support of Michał Kiciński, one of GOG’s co-founders, its future will be full of great projects and successes.”
The studio also confirmed that its own games will continue to be sold on GOG, ensuring that titles from the Witcher and Cyberpunk franchises remain available on the platform despite the change in ownership.
CD Projekt Turns Its Attention Fully to Game Development
For CD Projekt, relinquishing ownership of GOG aligns with its broader goal of concentrating on creative output. The company has repeatedly stated its intention to expand its major franchises, with multiple projects set in The Witcher universe and continued development within the Cyberpunk world.
Speculation around a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 continues, with industry observers suggesting a possible release later in the decade. However, no official timeline has been announced, and the lengthy development of the original game has left expectations tempered.
By stepping away from platform management, CD Projekt appears to be consolidating its efforts around storytelling, technology, and long-term franchise growth.
