Old games can be easily tracked down in charity shops, or on ROM sites, or in retro stores or CEX. But they’re often in a poor condition. If the game even works, it may rely on hardware that is difficult to find.
In the case of classic PC games, you also have the challenge of finding the operating system that the game is compatible with. Even then, it’s a challenge (as I recently found out with Sid Meier’s RailRoads!) to get the display drivers to work.
This is why GOG is invaluable to the continued enjoyment of PC classics. They’ve just announced the Good Old Games Preservation Program, which I would encourage you to support.
GOG launches Preservation Program: Keeping Good Old Games Alive!
To celebrate its 16th birthday, GOG.com has unveil a brand new initiative: The GOG Preservation Program!
Did you know: The Video Game History Foundation reports that a staggering 87% of games made before 2010 are unplayable today. This is unacceptable! The GOG Preservation Program, with the support of the gaming community, aims to bring that number down to zero.
With the celebrations of GOG’s 16th Anniversary, we are thrilled to announce our new initiative.
— GOG.COM (@GOGcom) November 13, 2024
We’re launching the GOG Preservation Program – an official stamp on classic games that GOG has improved, with a commitment of our own resources to ensure their compatibility with… pic.twitter.com/cxVw74cD9f
This program is all about ensuring that classic games live on forever. As a company dedicated to DRM-free gaming and video game history for over a decade, preserving these titles has always been at its core. But in 2024, the urgency has become even clearer. Projects like the restoration of Alpha Protocol and the original Resident Evil trilogy highlight the importance of keeping these gems playable for future generations.
Here’s what the GOG Preservation Program offers:
- A stamp of approval: Look for the GOG Preservation Program logo on select titles. This signifies that GOG has invested resources to ensure compatibility with modern systems and make them as enjoyable as possible.
- Improved and tested builds: 100 classic games in in GOG’s catalog are getting the preservation treatment. This includes beloved titles like Heroes of Might and Magic® 3, Resident Evil, and Diablo+Hellfire.
- Transparency: Every game’s Preservation Log details the work done to ensure its longevity.
GOG plans to continuously expand the program, adding more classics from its existing library and welcoming new ones.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
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