GOG Enhances Preservation Initiative to Safeguard Delisted Games

Image by Blizzard Entertainment.

Last month, GOG committed to rejuvenating vintage PC video games through its conservation program. As of today, this initiative will include titles that have been removed by their respective developers, beginning with Warcraft 1 and Warcraft 2.

In a blog post, GOG indicated that Blizzard requested both games be removed from its store on December 13. GOG confirmed it would comply with this request, but aims to ensure both games will remain accessible through its program. Moving forward, it pledged to maintain a game’s compatibility “even if it is removed from the store.”

GOG stated that players who acquire delisted games “can still expect an uninterrupted experience and technical assistance for those titles.” It noted that support will also account for “potential changes in Windows OS” compatibility.

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The GOG Preservation Program assures a commitment to the classic games on the platform, ensuring they are compatible with new or upcoming PC hardware. Currently, the program primarily supports Windows platforms and has been utilized to maintain titles like the first three Resident Evil games, Alpha Protocol, and the Definitive Edition of Dragon Age: Origins.

Last month, GOG mentioned it needed to address the growing concerns of game preservation advocates. A 2023 study showed that nearly all games released prior to 2010 are now inaccessible.

Organizations like the Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) have attempted to find a way for libraries and archives to provide remote access to digital out-of-print games, which had previously been restricted by Section 1201 of the DMCA. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has actively opposed these initiatives, arguing that the responsibility for preservation and archiving lies solely with publishers.

In late October, the U.S. Copyright Office rejected the VGHF’s request to create an exemption to DMCA regulations so libraries and archives could share their digital games. The Office supported particular comments from the ESA that criticized the VGHF’s position and asserted it did not clarify “that reproducing works to allow for multiple simultaneous use in the computer program category is likely to be fair.”

Discussing its own preservation initiatives, GOG stated it was “incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to bring them back to life after decades of unavailability.”

“While the [Warcraft] delisting is regrettable, we assure you that every user who already owns these games on GOG will continue to benefit from our commitment and have access to versions that maintain compatibility with modern systems, preserving their experience for years to come,” the company added.

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