CD Projekt Sells GOG to Michał Kiciński
- CD Projekt has finalized the sale of its entire stake in GOG,the digital game distribution platform,to co-founder Michał Kiciński.
- On December 31, 2023, CD Projekt officially completed the sale of 100% of its shares in GOG to Michał Kiciński.
- This move allows Kiciński to become the sole owner of GOG, a platform renowned for its commitment to DRM-free gaming.
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Michał Kiciński Acquires GOG from CD Projekt for PLN 90.7 Million
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CD Projekt has finalized the sale of its entire stake in GOG,the digital game distribution platform,to co-founder Michał Kiciński. The deal, valued at PLN 90.7 million, marks a strategic shift for CD Projekt towards focusing on its core game development and publishing activities.
What Happened?
On December 31, 2023, CD Projekt officially completed the sale of 100% of its shares in GOG to Michał Kiciński. Prior to the finalization of the agreement, GOG distributed PLN 44.2 million in profits from previous years to CD Projekt. The total transaction value amounts to PLN 90.7 million (approximately $22.7 million USD as of January 26, 2024).
This move allows Kiciński to become the sole owner of GOG, a platform renowned for its commitment to DRM-free gaming.
Why This Matters: Strategic Shift for CD Projekt
CD Projekt’s decision to sell GOG aligns with its stated development strategy. The company intends to concentrate its resources and expertise on its primary business: creating and publishing video games, notably those based on its flagship franchises like The Witcher and Cyberpunk. Maintaining GOG required a separate focus and investment that CD Projekt now believes is better allocated to game development.
For michał Kiciński, the acquisition represents a continuation of his long-standing involvement with GOG and a commitment to its unique beliefs. He intends to maintain GOG’s independence and its dedication to DRM-free gaming.
GOG: A History of DRM-Free Gaming
Founded in 2008, GOG (originally Good old Games) quickly established itself as a leading platform for the digital distribution of video games, specifically focusing on classic titles and, crucially, offering them without Digital Rights Management (DRM). DRM restricts how users can access and play games, often causing compatibility issues and limiting ownership rights. GOG’s commitment to DRM-free gaming resonated with a significant segment of the gaming community.
GOG’s mission, as the company states, is to make games live forever
. This is achieved through careful curation, compatibility fixes for older titles, and a user-friendly platform.
Michał Kiciński’s Vision for GOG
Michał Kiciński expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, emphasizing the shared values between CD Projekt and GOG: freedom, independence, and a sense of ownership. He assured players that GOG will continue to operate independently, supporting both players and creators who champion DRM-free gaming.
Kiciński specifically highlighted GOG’s role as the premier destination for The Witcher and Cyberpunk games, both current and future releases. He also revealed his personal passion for classic games and his involvement in the development of new retro-style titles, some of which are slated for release on GOG in 2026.
He stated,”I deeply believe that well-made classics can give as much joy as fresh titles.When it comes to sheer playability, timeless games often prove to be a really safe bet, especially in a market flooded with thousands of low-quality, smaller games.”
Financial Details and Timeline
| Date | Event | Amount (PLN) |
|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2023 | Completion of GOG sale to Michał Kiciński | 90.7 million |
| Prior to Dec 31, 2023 | GOG profit distribution to CD Projekt | 44.2 million |