GOG Reimagines Its Future with Indie Game Publishing

Newly independent PC digital game store GOG is set to venture into indie game publishing, a decision it apparently couldn't make while part of CD Projekt Red.

This marks a significant shift for a company that, for 17 years, has primarily focused on reviving classic games and offering titles from its former parent company. According to Michał Kiciński, the new owner of GOG, this independence opens up new opportunities for the company.

"I'm also co-owner of an indie game publishing company called Retrovibe," Kiciński revealed. Retrovibe is known for retro-styled games such as Project Warlock, Shardpunk, and BIOTA. He added, "Evolving GOG into the publishing business is a direction we will certainly discuss.

Though no concrete decisions have been reached, Kiciński emphasized that GOG's newfound autonomy allows for business directions that were previously unattainable under CD Projekt Red, where publishing was tied exclusively to its games.

"This opens a whole new area of activities for GOG which was not that much possible together with CD Projekt Red"

Previously operating under CD Projekt, GOG was sidelined as the parent company shifted its focus more toward game development. Consequently, GOG was put up for sale last year.

“It’s common for larger entities to overshadow smaller ones within a group," Kiciński explained, acknowledging the challenges of operating as the smaller counterpart in a much larger organization.

The bright side for GOG is that as a privately owned entity, decisions can be made more swiftly and riskier initiatives can be explored. GOG managing director Maciej Gołębiowski observed how the growth of CD Projekt Red made GOG's position more complicated due to the scale of operations.

As Kiciński put it, he is "not afraid of risk as a private investor" and can maneuver the company with a level of agility that public companies may find more difficult.

"We have a big appetite for the growth of GOG"

While GOG plans to expand into game publishing, its core mission of restoring old games and maintaining a DRM-free environment remains intact. The relationship with CD Projekt Red is also assured, due to a favorable six-year partnership that continues to benefit both entities.

Even though they are now separate companies, Kiciński acknowledged that geographical proximity and shared interests foster continued collaboration.

With the deal completed just a month ago, Kiciński is keen to strategize the future for GOG, focusing on strengthening its unique market position and loyal customer base. "We have a big appetite for growth," he confirmed.