GOG (formerly Good Old Games) is a digital game store owned by CD Projekt that sells all games without DRM. It champions digital ownership and game preservation, offering classic and modern titles that buyers can download, back up, and play without online authentication requirements.
GOG is the only major PC game store committed to DRM-free distribution. It competes with Steam and Epic not on catalog size but on principle: true digital ownership. Its GOG Galaxy launcher attempts to unify libraries across platforms, though adoption remains niche.
Largest game catalog and community features but requires the Steam client to play most games. DRM is optional per developer but standard for most titles.
Better revenue split for developers (88/12) and free game giveaways, but all games require the Epic launcher. No DRM-free option for most titles.
Some DRM-free options alongside Steam keys. Charity donation component and Humble Bundle subscription provide unique value propositions beyond pure game purchasing.
Also DRM-free but focused on indie and experimental games. Complements GOG's catalog of classic and mid-tier titles with its grassroots indie selection.
Major publishers increasingly require DRM (like Denuvo) for new releases, limiting GOG's ability to stock day-one AAA titles. This confines GOG to older games, indie titles, and the rare publisher willing to go DRM-free.
GOG Galaxy's ability to aggregate libraries from Steam, Epic, and consoles into one launcher is a unique feature. If adoption grows, it could position GOG as the universal game management layer across all platforms.
GOG's commitment to keeping old games running on modern hardware serves a preservation role no other major store prioritizes. As digital storefronts shut down (Google Stadia, OnLive), GOG's ownership model becomes more philosophically compelling.
Games purchased on GOG can be downloaded, copied, and played without any online authentication or client software. You truly own the files and can back them up or play offline permanently.
GOG offers true digital ownership with DRM-free games, while Steam has a vastly larger catalog and richer community features. GOG is better for game preservation and offline play; Steam is better for new releases and social features.
Steam and Epic Games Store are the main competitors by market share. Itch.io shares the DRM-free philosophy for indie games. Humble Store offers some DRM-free options alongside Steam keys.