GOG is pushing its credentials as a champion of game preservation once more today, with the news that it has joined the European Federation of Game Archives, Museums, and Preservation Projects (EFGAMP). This marks a significant step in bridging the gap between the private sector and cultural organizations across Europe, with a shared mission of safeguarding video games as a vital part of our cultural heritage.

Founded in 2012, EFGAMP represents over 20 institutions dedicated to video game preservation, including renowned names like VIGAMUS in Rome, MO5.COM in France, and The Netherlands Institute for Sound & Vision. GOG’s membership makes them the first Polish institution to join EFGAMP, solidifying their commitment to game preservation on a continental scale.

“GOG was built with the express purpose of preserving video games,” said Maciej Gołębiewski, Managing Director at GOG. “Classic games and ensuring their accessibility for future generations have always been core to our mission. Over the past decade, we’ve honed our expertise in this area through initiatives like the GOG Preservation Program, which guarantees compatibility for over 100 classic titles and delivers hundreds of enhancements to ensure a smooth gaming experience on modern systems.”

Launched in 2024, the GOG Preservation Program has been a resounding success. The program has ensured the continued accessibility and playability of over 100 classic titles, with these games receiving an average user rating of 4.2/5 and over 566 enhancements implemented so far. This program exemplifies GOG’s dedication to not only preserving gaming history but also ensuring these titles can be enjoyed by modern audiences.

Video game preservation is a critical issue not just within the gaming industry but also in mainstream culture, as concerns about the potential disappearance of digital media continue to grow. 2024 saw a surge in gamers pushing back against the erosion of game ownership, as highlighted by PC Gamer’s Rich Stanton. Similarly, Game Developer recognized video game preservation as a key trend in their 2024 year-end wrap-up.

(I’ll be honest, I’ve started buying up old games, as well as archiving my own personal files, save games, etc., from the past. My steps for backing up old Commodore 64 cassettes to PC can help you do the same.)

GOG + EFGAMP = Game Preservation

What does this mean to gamers? While GOG solidifies its position as a champion for game preservation on a global scale by joining EFGAMP, the impact for fans of old games might take a bit longer to appreciate.

“Our responsibility as a European company extends beyond just offering classic games on our platform,” GOG’s Gołębiewski continued. “Joining EFGAMP strengthens our commitment to game preservation. Our next step is to foster collaboration with museums, governmental and non-governmental organizations worldwide. We believe our experience can significantly contribute to their efforts, and we’re excited to share news about some upcoming game preservation projects we’re working on.”

“GOG’s position as a European leader in digital game distribution brings a unique perspective to EFGAMP,” said Andreas Lange, COO of EFGAMP. “Their expertise in making classic games accessible to modern audiences perfectly complements the work of our existing members by adding a strong digital dimension to our collective efforts. With GOG distributing classic games worldwide, their addition to EFGAMP is invaluable, as our members are primarily rooted in the cultural heritage sector.”

A greater and wider appreciation of gaming as a part of our cultural fabric could be coming. It’s about time.

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