Digital platform for DRM-free PC games featuring both classics and modern releases, fully downloadable and playable without a launcher, curated selection, 30-day returns, compatibility updates, extra content like soundtracks, and support for multiple platforms.
Comment summary: GOG.com appeals to users seeking DRM-free ownership, offline installers, classic and DOS games, and a less restrictive alternative to Steam. Reviewers value its Linux compatibility, pricing on older titles, preservation efforts, and optional Galaxy client. However, Galaxy can be sluggish or unreliable, downloads may be slower, mod management is less convenient, and some users report higher prices, regional restrictions, or concerns about DRM and game availability.
Top Positive Comment
Atoshi
★★★★★
•
12
Sad thing that so many people still stick to Steam/Origin/etc, when there's such a great alternative available. The main strong point of GoG is that all games they sell lack any kind of DRM systems implemented, which is a cancer and often a violation of user's privacy in almost any other digital distribution platform today. This is something diametrically opposite, though - every GoG game works without any internet connection, nor client required, just like majority of pre-2005 physically-sold titles would (there's optional downloadable client, called GoG Galaxy for those who like such things, but i haven't tested it). You can redownload everything you have purchased as many times as you like, and even if the shop goes out of bussines at some point in future (which i REALLY hope won't be the case anytime soon) all the installers you keep locally will remain fully usable, just like physical copies back in the day. Moreover, there's no legal limit in the number of physical workstations you are allowed to install your games on, according to the official website:
Can I enjoy my purchases both on my laptop and desktop computer at home?
Yes. We do not limit the number of installations or reinstallations, as long as you install your purchased games on computers in your household. So yeah, if you've got a render-farm in the basement, you might actually break the world record for the number of legal Witcher installations in one household. However, if you think about installing your game on a friend's machine or sharing it with others then please don't do it, okay?
The only thing some people may complain about is the fact, that despite numerous newly released titles are available on GoG, there will always be many AAA games that you won't be able to buy there, since some publishers won't agree to strip the games off DRMs. I personally don't care, and deliberately boycott Steam and others. If majority of people did the same DRM stores would have gone extinct sooner or later, i believe.
Top Negative Comment
dkshsat
★★★★★
•
-1
What would it feel like to switch from Steam to GOG?
Slow game download speeds
Manually and externally managing game mods
Always more expensive than Steam because there is no regional pricing
A sluggish launcher no matter what you click
Unless you are someone who finds yourself smiling just looking at DRM-free games in your local folder that you won't even play within ten years, there is no reason to buy games on GOG.
tomyan112
★★★★★
•
Edited
0
You actually own your games on this platform. The download speed is slightly slower compare to other platforms. The galaxy launcher sometimes said "you are offline now" even though you are not. It does not track playing time correctly.
(in progress)
The higher the level - the lower the level of comfort and stability, but higher the level of freedom and ethical, respectful treatment of you.
Don't choose the highest level everywhere at once (you can go crazy that way), choose what you need to accomplish your tasks and move slowly to the next level (if you understand what you really need it)
DRM (Digital Right(Restrictions) Management) are defective by design you should buy DRM free if possible !
More infos on https://www.defectivebydesign.org/
Page may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links never affect ranking.
What is GOG.com?
GOG.com, or Good Old Games, is a digital platform selling PC games. It offers a wide variety of classic and new titles, all free from Digital Rights Management (DRM) and updated to be compatible with current operating systems. The platform carefully selects its games, from AAA titles to independent ones, focusing on classic gaming. GOG.com also ensures all games are legitimate, supporting rightful owners and creators. The platform prioritizes quality, thoroughly testing games and fixing bugs to ensure smooth operation on modern PCs. It also provides additional features with each game and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for user assurance.
Comments and Reviews
Sad thing that so many people still stick to Steam/Origin/etc, when there's such a great alternative available. The main strong point of GoG is that all games they sell lack any kind of DRM systems implemented, which is a cancer and often a violation of user's privacy in almost any other digital distribution platform today. This is something diametrically opposite, though - every GoG game works without any internet connection, nor client required, just like majority of pre-2005 physically-sold titles would (there's optional downloadable client, called GoG Galaxy for those who like such things, but i haven't tested it). You can redownload everything you have purchased as many times as you like, and even if the shop goes out of bussines at some point in future (which i REALLY hope won't be the case anytime soon) all the installers you keep locally will remain fully usable, just like physical copies back in the day. Moreover, there's no legal limit in the number of physical workstations you are allowed to install your games on, according to the official website:
Can I enjoy my purchases both on my laptop and desktop computer at home? Yes. We do not limit the number of installations or reinstallations, as long as you install your purchased games on computers in your household. So yeah, if you've got a render-farm in the basement, you might actually break the world record for the number of legal Witcher installations in one household. However, if you think about installing your game on a friend's machine or sharing it with others then please don't do it, okay?
The only thing some people may complain about is the fact, that despite numerous newly released titles are available on GoG, there will always be many AAA games that you won't be able to buy there, since some publishers won't agree to strip the games off DRMs. I personally don't care, and deliberately boycott Steam and others. If majority of people did the same DRM stores would have gone extinct sooner or later, i believe.
What would it feel like to switch from Steam to GOG?
Unless you are someone who finds yourself smiling just looking at DRM-free games in your local folder that you won't even play within ten years, there is no reason to buy games on GOG.
You actually own your games on this platform. The download speed is slightly slower compare to other platforms. The galaxy launcher sometimes said "you are offline now" even though you are not. It does not track playing time correctly.
Because it's DRM-free and they launched the Games Preservation Program.
Have bought a few games through GOG, have been pretty good to date
In a way, it's a simpler Steam. I just hope they maintain the DRM-free option.
Far less inadequate content than on Steam.
You can play games without GOG Galaxy and without DRM if games allow that.
https://www.gog.com/account