In a significant move for the PC gaming landscape, the popular digital storefront GOG has officially announced its separation from its parent company, CD Projekt Red. The platform, renowned for its library of games free from digital rights management (DRM), is now under new independent ownership, a shift announced on its official blog on December 31, 2025.
A Strategic Shift for a Gamer-First Platform
This split marks the end of an era that began in 2015 when the Polish video game developer CD Projekt Red acquired GOG. For years, GOG operated as a subsidiary of the studio behind global hits like The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077. The announcement states that this strategic transition will allow GOG to focus entirely on its core mission of serving gamers who prioritize choice, ownership, and the preservation of video games.
While the official financial details remain confidential, industry insiders suggest the ownership deal is valued at approximately €100 million. As part of the arrangement, CD Projekt Red will retain a minority stake in GOG, maintaining a connection without being involved in day-to-day operations. CDPR CEO Adam Kiciński described the separation as a "win-win" scenario, enabling both entities to thrive independently.
What This Means for Gamers and GOG's Future
For the vast community of gamers on the platform, GOG assures a seamless experience. The store's extensive collection of over 6,000 titles—spanning timeless classics such as Baldur's Gate to modern indie gems and major AAA ports—will remain fully accessible without any hitches.
GOG's leadership has pledged to double down on the features that define its unique identity. This includes a continued commitment to providing offline installers, cloud saves without restrictive conditions, and fair pricing models. The company also hinted at exciting future upgrades, including improved multiplayer features and an expanded lineup of retro games. These moves signal GOG's bold ambitions to strengthen its position and compete more directly with other major digital distributors.
Looking Ahead: Independence and Focus
For CD Projekt Red, this divestment allows the company to concentrate its resources and efforts entirely on its internal game development studio, RED. This means undivided attention on highly anticipated projects like the next installment in The Witcher saga, often referred to by fans as The Witcher 4.
The gaming community, particularly on forums like Reddit, has reacted with a mix of cautious optimism and enthusiastic support. While some users express concern over potential short-term transitional issues, the overwhelming sentiment celebrates GOG's DRM-free philosophy stepping into the spotlight as an independent entity. This move reinforces GOG's dedication to being a platform by gamers, for gamers, championing digital ownership in an era of subscriptions and restrictive licenses.
