CD Projekt Co-Founder Michał Kiciński Acquires Full Ownership of GOG, Secures Future of DRM-Free Game Store

Michał Kiciński, co-founder of CD Projekt, has acquired 100% ownership of GOG, ensuring the DRM-free games platform will operate independently while maintaining its commitment to game preservation and classic revivals. A new distribution deal guarantees all future CD Projekt Red titles, including The Witcher and Cyberpunk series, will launch on GOG.

Michał Kiciński, who co-founded both CD Projekt and GOG, formally acquired full ownership of GOG from CD Projekt as of December 29, 2025. While GOG has operated under CD Projekt’s umbrella since its 2008 founding, the new arrangement gives Kiciński direct control as sole owner. The company confirmed this transition on social media, reiterating, “The mission stays the same: Make Games Live Forever.” According to Kiciński, GOG will now return to its roots by focusing on reviving classic games and expanding its DRM-free offerings to both gamers and developers.

GOG is entering a new chapter.

Michał Kiciński, co-founder of CD PROJEKT and GOG, has acquired GOG from CD PROJEKT.

The mission stays the same: Make Games Live Forever.

Going back to our roots allows us to double down on what we do best: reviving classics, giving you a library…

— GOG.COM (@GOGcom) December 29, 2025

Kiciński emphasised the continuity of GOG’s values and mission in a statement: “CD Projekt and GOG share the same roots and values: freedom, independence, and a genuine sense of ownership. I believe that CD Projekt, with its exceptional AAA games, will stand, as always, behind the GOG offering – making GOG the best place on the planet to purchase The Witcher and Cyberpunk games, both existing titles and the new ones we all anticipate so much.”

GOG’s Ongoing Commitment to DRM-Free Classics and Game Preservation

GOG has long distinguished itself as a leading DRM-free games retailer, and Kiciński reiterated the platform’s strategic focus: “When it comes to pure playability, timeless games often prove to be really the safe choice, especially in a market flooded with gazillions of low-quality smaller games.” He also stated his personal commitment to the platform, noting, “I am personally involved in the development of a few games like that, and they will certainly make their strong appearance on GOG in 2026.”

Under Kiciński’s leadership, GOG remains committed to supporting controversial and independent artistic works. The platform notably released Santa Ragione’s horror game ‘Horses’ after it was banned by Steam and Epic Games Store. GOG explained, “We wanted to give players the freedom to choose what they play, and [give creators] the space to bring their artistic work to them.”

This acquisition also intersects with GOG’s broader preservation initiatives. In November 2024, GOG launched its Preservation Program, prioritising compatibility and longevity for classic games on current and future systems. The company subsequently joined the European Federation of Game Archives, Museums and Preservation Projects (EFGAMP) to further its dedication to game preservation and heritage.

Future of GOG and Partnership With CD Projekt

CD Projekt’s joint CEO Michał Nowakowski expressed confidence in the transition, stating, “With our focus now fully on an ambitious development roadmap and expanding our franchises with new high-quality products, we felt this was the right time for this move. For a long time now, GOG has been operating independently. Now it’s going into very good hands – we are convinced that with the support of Michał Kiciński, one of GOG’s co-founders, its future will be full of great projects and successes.”

As part of the acquisition, GOG and CD Projekt Red have signed a new distribution agreement confirming that all of CD Projekt Red’s upcoming titles will launch on GOG. This guarantees that flagship series such as The Witcher and Cyberpunk, including anticipated new releases, will be accessible through the DRM-free platform.

Kiciński’s reacquisition of GOG is poised to reinforce the platform’s position as a haven for classic, DRM-free, and creatively ambitious games, strengthening its partnership with CD Projekt while adding strategic independence. GOG’s emphasis on game preservation, support for indie creators, and resistance to restrictive DRM practices continue to differentiate it in the competitive digital games distribution landscape.