Full circle moment for PC gaming. GOG co-founder Michał Kiciński acquired 100% ownership from CD Projekt RED in a $25.2 million deal, returning the DRM-free pioneer to founder leadership. Kiciński vows to challenge Steam’s market dominance through uncompromising ownership rights and aggressive classic game preservation.
CD Projekt focused on Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk sequel development, spinning off GOG to streamline operations. Kiciński’s return promises renewed ambition – the platform that redefined digital ownership eyes Steam’s 95% market share with founder-led aggression.
The $25M Homecoming
December 2025 transaction included GOG.com and Galaxy client:
- Buyer: Michał Kiciński (GOG/CDPR co-founder)
- Price: PLN 90.7M ($25.2M)
- Seller: CD Projekt RED (100% shares)
- Included: GOG Galaxy overlay/tech
Kiciński maintains CDPR shareholder status – no conflict selling his own shares. Distribution deal ensures Witcher 4, Cyberpunk Orion launch day-and-date on GOG alongside Steam/Epic.
Steam Challenge Blueprint
Kiciński outlined aggressive differentiation:
| Battleground | GOG Advantage | Steam Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | True DRM-free | Revocable license |
| Preservation | Active classics revival | Delisting common |
| Backups | Offline installers | Server dependent |
| Features | Galaxy 2.0 overlay | Marketplace lock-in |
GOG Galaxy 2.0 matches Steam overlay functionality while preserving core DRM-free philosophy. No account bans revoke library access – true ownership trumps convenience.
Preservation Mission Accelerates
GOG’s ‘rescue missions’ gain founder momentum:
- Private investigators tracking rights holders
- Dreamlist community voting system
- Full-time preservation team expansion
- Linux compatibility guarantees
Kiciński champions ‘games live forever’ – reverse-engineering abandonware, negotiating with liquidated estates, modernizing 90s classics. Recent Dino Crisis 1-2 re-release proves methodology works.
CDPR Relationship Preserved
Distribution agreement secures:
- Witcher 4 day-one GOG launch
- Cyberpunk Orion simultaneous release
- Existing library unaffected
- Galaxy integration maintained
Market Position 2026
GOG captures niche but loyal audience:
- 15M registered users
- 7K+ DRM-free titles
- Top 5 PC storefront (behind Steam/Epic/itch.io)
- Consistent profitability
Founder ownership eliminates corporate synergies pressure – pure focus on gamer-first model versus Steam’s marketplace monopolization.
Immediate Roadmap
- Q1 2026: Galaxy 2.0 mobile companion
- Q2 2026: Preservation team doubles
- Q3 2026: Dreamlist top 10 releases
- 2027: Major AAA partnerships
FAQs
Who bought GOG?
Michał Kiciński, original co-founder. Paid CDPR $25.2M for 100% ownership including Galaxy tech.
Will DRM-free continue?
Core philosophy strengthened. Kiciński built GOG on true ownership model.
CDPR games stay on GOG?
Yes – distribution deal guarantees Witcher 4, Cyberpunk Orion day-one launches.
Galaxy 2.0 vs Steam?
Matches overlay features while preserving DRM-free downloads. No account bans revoke access.
More classic revivals coming?
Accelerated – private investigators, Dreamlist voting, doubled preservation staff.
Why did CDPR sell?
Focus Witcher 4, Cyberpunk sequel. GOG stable profit center, not core competency.
Steam threatened?
Not market share, but ownership ethics. GOG targets Steam’s Achilles heel – revocable licenses.
Conclusion
Kiciński’s GOG homecoming ignites digital preservation renaissance. Founder ownership eliminates corporate drift, refocusing on DRM-free purity Steam cannot match. $25M investment signals conviction – true game ownership beats marketplace convenience. As CDPR builds Witcher future, GOG resurrects gaming past. Steam dominance faces principled challenge from platform born fighting digital serfdom.