CD Projekt (the developers of The Witcher) has announced their new digital distribution system called Good Old Games, or GOG for short. GOG has been described as "Steam for old PC games" and that’s an accurate description. GOG is built around old PC games from the mid 90s to the early 2000s. This means it offers only beloved classics and not newer games. CD Projekt has already secured a winning launch lineup including Fallout 1 and 2, Freespace 1 and 2, Sacrifice, and Descent 1-3
Probably most exciting is the way CD Projekt is handling the whole thing. Game prices will range from $5.99 to $9.99 and Good Old Games will be completely DRM free. Like Steam, once you buy the game it’s yours forever. You’re free to download the game as many times as you want as well as download it to as many PCs as you want.
Old games which are not compatible with modern OSes like Windows XP or Vista will be re-written to allow full compatibilty with these systems, even going so far as to include custom installers. Purchased games will also include freebies including PDF game guides, wallpapers, and other goodies.
A community rating system will also be implemented. GOG users will be able to rate and review their favorite games, discuss the games on the official message boards, and get support.
I must say that this is an incredible idea. The length CD Projekt is willing to go to offer these classics is also stupendous. If you want even more exciting details on GOG, click over to Shacknews for an interview. GOG’s official website is also offering a chance to get into the closed beta (which will debut on August 1) so click over there as well.
