UPDATE: The newly appointed owner of Good Old Games (GOG), Michael Michał Kiciński, has just announced a bold strategy to compete directly with Steam by prioritizing quality over quantity in game publishing. This significant shift comes after Kiciński repurchased GOG from CD Projekt Red earlier this year, marking a return to the platform’s original vision.
In a recent interview with Games Industry, Kiciński outlined his plan to cultivate a marketplace focused on high-quality titles, aiming to carve out a distinct niche in the competitive gaming landscape. “We want to ensure that every game available on GOG is tailored to our users’ interests,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of a curated selection in an era where low-quality games often flood the market.
GOG’s strategy will center on “classic retro and modern classics,” allowing the platform to maintain its uniqueness while also offering newer titles that fit its curated style. Kiciński noted that GOG will not follow Steam’s model of releasing hundreds of games daily, of which a vast majority lack quality.
“We are a very curated platform,” Kiciński highlighted. “This is one of our strengths: we don’t release hundreds of games daily, 95% of which are really not super high quality.” This focus on quality aims to build a loyal customer base, ensuring that gamers can trust the platform for every purchase.
GOG’s commitment to quality has already yielded positive results, as evidenced by the success of the game Warlock, which enjoyed a period of exclusivity on the platform along with excellent promotional coverage. This approach not only helps developers achieve better visibility but also fosters a community of gamers interested in quality experiences.
With Steam holding a dominant position in the gaming market, Kiciński recognizes the challenges ahead but remains optimistic. He believes that GOG can successfully attract gamers tired of sifting through subpar titles on larger platforms.
Kiciński’s announcement is a call to action for gamers seeking a more meaningful selection of titles. By re-establishing GOG’s identity and focusing on a curated library, Kiciński aims to not only survive but thrive in the shadow of Steam.
What’s Next: As GOG rolls out this new strategy, gamers can expect a more refined selection of games that align with the platform’s vision. Keep an eye on GOG as it embarks on this exciting journey to redefine the gaming marketplace and challenge the status quo.
