The endless cycle of updates, patches, and mandatory launchers is the most tiresome aspect of modern PC gaming. It’s why every major catalog expansion by GOG (Good Old Games) serves as a necessary reminder that D.R.M.-free preservation is the only true way to own a classic title.
GOG just announced a massive drop into its Preservation Program, adding 16 essential PC classics to the DRM-free storefront, securing gaming history against that inevitable obsolescence of modern operating systems.
For any retro gamer who’s wasted an evening trying to get a 20-year-old game running on Windows 11, you know what I’m saying. GOG offers a genuine public service.
Splinter Cell, Tomb Raider, and the games that actually matter
The new batch of games is exactly the sort of eclectic, high-value collection you’d expect from GOG, covering essential franchises and crucial cult hits. More importantly, they’re being introduced with steep discounts, putting the onus on you to simply buy the game and play it.
The biggest inclusions in this latest bunch, guaranteed to run on modern rigs, include:
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: The original stealth benchmark, now available DRM-free with a huge 80% discount. No Ubisoft Connect needed!
- Tomb Raider GOTY: The 1996 title that pioneered 3D adventure. It’s a foundational piece of gaming history, and you can grab it for 85% off.
- Hitman: Codename 47: The game that started the Agent 47 formula. It’s a must-own for a massive 90% off.
- Clive Barker’s Undying: A first-person horror shooter often cited as one of the best of the era, launching with a 75% discount.
- Call of Cthulhu: Prisoner of Ice: An excellent point-and-click horror title that is essential viewing for Lovecraft fans, currently 80% off.
The list also includes classics like the SPORE Collection and deep cuts such as the two Elvira horror titles and the strategy gem North & South.
What is the GOG Preservation Program?
The GOG Preservation Program remains the most important service in digital distribution today. It guarantees playability without the need for external launchers or invasive digital security, ensuring that when you buy a game, you actually get to keep it and play it.
This latest injection of 16 titles is a clear win for gamers who prioritize functionality and the long-term health of their digital libraries.
Which one of these newly preserved classics are you finally adding to your collection? Head over to GOG.com to choose from the full list.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
