GOG Collabs With European Game Archivists to Bolster Preservation of Gaming Heritage

GOG has announced a partnership with the European Federation of Game Archives, Museums, and Preservation Projects (EFGAMP), solidifying its commitment to preserving video games as cultural heritage.

This collaboration positions GOG as the first Polish organization to join EFGAMP, a coalition dedicated to the preservation, archive, and promotion of the cultural significance of video games.

Known for its DRM-free distribution model and emphasis on classic PC games, GOG.com (formerly Good Old Games), a digital distribution platform for video games and films, launched its Game Preservation Program in November 2023. This initiative focuses on maintaining compatibility for older titles with modern Windows systems, ensuring that beloved games remain accessible for generations to come. The program also extends to delisted titles, including the original Warcraft and Warcraft II, which remain playable for those who purchased them before their removal.

“Classic games and the mission to safeguard them for future generations have always been at the core of our work,” said Maciej Gołębiewski, managing director of GOG. “As a European company, we feel a responsibility to lead in preserving gaming heritage. Joining EFGAMP reinforces this commitment.”

EFGAMP chief operating officer Andreas Lange praised GOG’s contributions, noting, “GOG’s unique perspective in game distribution complements the work of our existing members by bringing further digital expertise to our collective efforts.”

The partnership aims to expand collaboration with museums and other institutions worldwide. GOG hinted at upcoming preservation projects, promising further updates on their preservation mission soon.

The preservation of video games has become an increasingly pressing issue as digital ecosystems evolve. Time and technological advancements render many older titles unplayable, effectively erasing important pieces of gaming history. GOG’s efforts ensure these games remain accessible, not just as entertainment but as artifacts of cultural significance. The GOG Game Preservation Program currently supports 102 titles, offering compatibility updates, bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements.  

With EFGAMP’s network of over 20 institutions, including MO5 in France and the Computerspielemuseum in Berlin, GOG’s partnership marks a step in unifying preservation efforts across Europe. Together, they aim to address the challenges of digital obsolescence and maintain the cultural relevance of video games.

“Our mission is to protect and share the experiences that shaped us,” Gołębiewski emphasized. “Through collaboration, we can ensure that gaming’s rich history is not only preserved but celebrated.”