GOG's survival at risk despite financial gains and preservation mission

Dave Oshry, CEO of game developer New Blood, has raised concerns about the future of GOG. The platform, known for preserving classic games, has faced criticism for struggling to compete with Steam. Oshry's comments come despite GOG's recent financial improvements and ongoing efforts to attract players.

GOG was launched nearly 20 years ago with a mission to keep classic games accessible. Owned by CD Projekt, it has focused on DRM-free titles and long-term game preservation. However, Oshry argued in an interview with RPG Site that GOG is falling behind Steam and needs more player support to survive.

GOG has seen a financial turnaround since 2021. After reporting a €7.2 million net loss that year, the platform became profitable, recording a €12.9 million net profit in 2023. Growth has continued into 2025, driven by higher game sales, platform-wide events like the 'Spring Sale,' and partnerships such as revenue sharing with the Epic Games Store. Cost-cutting measures, including staff reductions in 2024, and investments in infrastructure and mobile app expansion have also helped stabilise the business.

In response to Oshry's criticism, GOG stated that game preservation only works if players actively engage with and support the platform. The company pointed to its efforts to expand its user base while maintaining its core values.

New Blood, despite its concerns, remains a partner of GOG. The studio recently released Dungeons of Dusk and Tenebrous Somnia simultaneously on both GOG and Steam. It also ran an anniversary sale on both platforms and provided demos of its games exclusively on GOG. Additionally, New Blood brought the Dusk HD remaster to GOG as a one-click install, mirroring its Steam Workshop version.

GOG's financial recovery and strategic investments suggest a more stable future. Yet, its ability to compete with larger platforms like Steam still depends on attracting and retaining players. The company continues to balance preservation efforts with the need for broader market appeal.