Just in time for Halloween, GOG dropped two major horror classics on its platform with a twist that matters way more than you might think. Resident Evil HD Remaster and Resident Evil 0 are now available completely DRM-free, and both have officially joined GOG’s Preservation Program. This isn’t just another game release. It’s a statement about how gaming history should be preserved and made accessible.
For the first time, players can own these games without any digital restrictions, knowing that GOG has committed to maintaining their compatibility for decades to come. After Capcom initially resisted the idea of bringing classic Resident Evil to GOG, the publisher completely reversed course. The success of the original trilogy convinced them that there’s real value in preserving the games fans remember, not just pushing players toward remakes.
What Exactly Just Dropped on GOG
GOG released two titles today: Resident Evil HD Remaster (the 2015 remake of the 1998 original) and Resident Evil 0 (the 2002 prequel). Both games are fully DRM-free, meaning no activation codes, no online requirement, no expiration dates. You download them, you own them forever. Both arrive with 75% launch discounts, bringing the price down from $19.99 to $4.99 each.
The games themselves have been enhanced for modern systems. Resident Evil HD Remaster comes with widescreen support, remastered visuals originally from the GameCube 2002 remake, updated sound, and quality of life improvements. You can toggle between classic tank controls and modern movement, switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, and play on computers that would never have run the originals smoothly.
Resident Evil 0 brings the same modernization treatment. The prequel follows rookie S.T.A.R.S. medic Rebecca Chambers and escaped convict Billy Coen through the Ecliptic Express outbreak. The defining mechanic is partner switching for both puzzle solving and combat. Plus, beating the main campaign unlocks Wesker Mode for a postgame replay as Albert Wesker himself.
The GOG Preservation Program Matters
Here’s why the GOG Preservation Program label matters beyond marketing speak. Games disappear. Servers shut down. Digital storefronts remove titles. Steam delists games. Publishers go bankrupt. In the last decade, hundreds of games have vanished from sale entirely or become unplayable as services shut down. GOG’s Preservation Program represents a commitment that doesn’t happen often: maintaining compatibility and forward functionality for games long after their commercial prime has passed.
GOG improves these games for modern systems, then officially stamps them with the Preservation Program label. That stamp means GOG will continue updating them to work on future operating systems, future hardware, and future tech stacks as they arrive. It’s a meaningful commitment in an industry where outdated games often become sacrificial losses.
Resident Evil HD Remaster and Resident Evil 0 now join a growing list of GOG Preservation Program titles that includes the original Resident Evil trilogy, Dino Crisis, Dino Crisis 2, and many others. The program is GOG’s answer to the genuine crisis of digital game preservation.
The Bundle Situation
GOG is offering two bundles that make serious sense for horror fans. The Resident Evil Classic Bundle includes Resident Evil HD Remaster, Resident Evil 0, and the entire original Resident Evil trilogy, all running on the same modern-compatible codebase. This bundle launches with a 55% discount until November 12, bringing you five complete Resident Evil games for a fraction of normal pricing.
There’s also the Resident Evil Deluxe Origins Bundle, which includes both new releases plus all the costume packs and DLC that came out over the years. If you want the complete package with every cosmetic addition, this is the move. Both bundles are exclusive to GOG, meaning you won’t find these specific collections on Steam or anywhere else.
The individual games include DLC costume packs for Resident Evil 0, including multiple outfit options and themed items. These cosmetics are included in the deluxe bundle but sold separately if you’re buying just the base game.
How Capcom Changed Its Mind
What makes this release particularly interesting is how it happened. According to GOG’s senior business development manager Marcin Paczynski, Capcom initially said no when GOG pitched bringing the original Resident Evil trilogy to their platform. Capcom’s reasoning was straightforward: they have remakes now. Why would anyone want to play the originals when the modern versions exist?
It took convincing from GOG to explain that nostalgia and preservation matter. That fans want to experience the exact games they remember from their childhoods, not necessarily the latest iteration. Capcom wasn’t convinced until GOG released the original Resident Evil trilogy on their platform.
The response was absolutely massive. The original trilogy achieved 94% positive reviews on GOG. Sales exceeded expectations. That success proved there was an actual market for classic games that publishers often dismiss. When Capcom saw those numbers, they flipped. Now they’re actively supporting GOG for releases like Dino Crisis and these two new Resident Evil titles.
That shift in perspective means more classic Capcom games might come to GOG in the future. This one successful launch on a preservation platform changed a publisher’s entire calculus around legacy content.
Why DRM-Free Matters for Horror Classics
The DRM-free aspect isn’t just a technical detail. When you buy Resident Evil HD Remaster or RE0 on GOG, you’re downloading the actual game files to your computer. No launcher required. No account authentication. No online connection needed. If GOG went completely bankrupt tomorrow and shut down every server, you’d still have the games installed and playable on your PC forever.
Compare this to Steam versions of the same games, where you’re technically licensing the software rather than owning it. Valve could theoretically delist the games tomorrow and your access would eventually expire. They probably won’t, but they could. GOG removes that theoretical possibility by making you the actual owner of the files.
For preservation purposes, this matters enormously. Future emulators and compatibility layers will be able to work with DRM-free versions. Archivists won’t need to circumvent anti-tamper systems to preserve these games for future research. Museums won’t face legal restrictions about storing and maintaining copies.
Perfect Timing for the Season
Releasing these games on October 29, just days before Halloween, was probably not accidental. Resident Evil games are iconic horror experiences. Playing through the original mansion incident or the Ecliptic Express prequel when October’s spooky atmosphere is still in the air creates the exact mood these games deserve.
The 75% launch discount also creates urgency. That pricing likely won’t last forever. Similar GOG releases see prices return to normal after the promotional window closes, usually around two weeks. If you’re even remotely interested in these classic horror games, the current prices are objectively the best you’ll see them on this platform.
FAQs
Are Resident Evil HD Remaster and RE0 on GOG now?
Yes, both games launched on October 29, 2025. They’re available exclusively on GOG with full DRM-free implementation and have joined the GOG Preservation Program.
How much do they cost?
Both games are currently discounted 75% from their normal $19.99 price, making them $4.99 each. This launch discount is temporary and typically expires after about two weeks.
What’s the difference between GOG and Steam versions?
GOG versions are completely DRM-free with no online requirements, meaning you own them outright. Steam versions require the Steam client and can be subject to delisting. GOG has also added these to the Preservation Program, committing to maintain compatibility indefinitely.
Do these games work on modern computers?
Yes, GOG has optimized both games for modern systems. They include widescreen support, modern control options, modern sound, and updated compatibility. You can run them on Windows 10, Windows 11, and modern hardware without issues.
Can I switch between classic and modern controls?
Yes, both games let you toggle between classic tank controls and modern movement controls. You can also switch aspect ratios between 4:3 and 16:9 depending on your preference.
What’s included in the Resident Evil Classic Bundle?
The Classic Bundle includes Resident Evil HD Remaster, Resident Evil 0, and the entire original Resident Evil trilogy, all optimized for modern systems. It launches with a 55% discount until November 12.
Are these games part of the GOG Preservation Program?
Yes, both games have officially joined the GOG Preservation Program, meaning GOG commits to maintaining their compatibility with future operating systems and hardware indefinitely.
Will Capcom release more classic games on GOG now?
It’s quite possible. According to GOG, Capcom changed their mind about bringing classics to the platform after seeing the success of the original Resident Evil trilogy. Future classic Capcom titles might follow.
What’s the difference between the Classic and Deluxe bundles?
The Classic Bundle includes the five games (RE HD Remaster, RE 0, and the original trilogy). The Deluxe Origins Bundle also includes all costume packs and DLC for RE 0. Choose Deluxe if you want every cosmetic item.
Can I play these games offline?
Yes, completely. GOG games require no online connection. Download them once and play them forever without any internet requirement or authentication.
Is Resident Evil 0 a sequel or prequel?
Resident Evil 0 is a prequel. It takes place before the events of the original Resident Evil mansion incident and follows Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen rather than the S.T.A.R.S. team.
The Bottom Line
GOG just made the right move at the right time. Resident Evil HD Remaster and Resident Evil 0 are now available DRM-free on a platform committed to preserving them indefinitely. The launch discounts won’t last forever, the horror atmosphere is perfect for October, and the Classic Bundle gives you five complete Resident Evil games optimized for modern systems in one package. This isn’t just a store release. It’s a statement about game preservation, player ownership, and why classic games deserve to remain accessible. If you’ve been meaning to replay these horror classics or experience them for the first time, now is genuinely the best time to do it.