GOG, the DRM-free digital storefront that once operated under CD Projekt’s umbrella, has entered a new phase of its existence with a clear strategic direction. After being divested by CD Projekt in late 2025, GOG is now under the leadership of Michal Kiciński, one of the store’s original co-founders. While Steam continues to dominate the digital gaming market, GOG is charting a course that eschews direct confrontation, instead prioritizing curation, accessibility, and a more refined user experience.
The approach reflects a pragmatic acknowledgment of Steam’s near-ubiquitous presence in the industry. Rather than attempting to replicate Steam’s scale or speed, GOG is focusing on areas where it can stand out—particularly in making classic and modern games more accessible while maintaining its reputation for quality over quantity. This strategy aims to strengthen GOG’s identity without alienating its user base or diluting its core values.
Central to this vision is the idea that GOG doesn’t need to compete on Steam’s terms. The store has long been known for its curated selection, avoiding the flood of low-quality releases that often dominate other platforms. Under new leadership, there’s an emphasis on refining the user experience—particularly in how games are discovered and installed—without straying from the principles that have defined GOG since its inception.
One area where GOG is looking to improve is usability. While Steam’s dominance has made its interface feel like the industry standard, GOG’s own client, Galaxy, has been criticized for not being as intuitive. Addressing this gap could help attract more users without requiring GOG to adopt the aggressive expansion tactics that have proven costly for other platforms attempting to challenge Steam.
Despite these refinements, one thing remains unchanged: GOG’s commitment to DRM-free gaming. This principle is seen as both an ethical stance and a practical advantage, allowing players to enjoy games without restrictions or concerns about internet connectivity. There are no plans to abandon this policy, which has been a cornerstone of GOG’s identity since its launch.
Looking ahead, GOG’s strategy appears to be about sustainability rather than rapid growth. By focusing on curation, accessibility, and user experience, the platform aims to carve out a stable position in the market—one that doesn’t rely on competing with giants like Steam but instead thrives by doing things differently.
