M
MercyNews
Home
Back
CD Projekt Sells GOG Storefront to Co-Founder
Economics

CD Projekt Sells GOG Storefront to Co-Founder

IGNDec 29
3 min read
📋

Key Facts

  • ✓ CD Projekt sold GOG to Michał Kiciński for 90.7 million Polish złoty (approx. $25.2 million).
  • ✓ Kiciński is the original co-founder of GOG and currently holds 10% of CD Projekt's share capital.
  • ✓ CD Projekt will focus on game development, including The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2.
  • ✓ GOG will operate independently and continue its DRM-free philosophy.
  • ✓ A distribution agreement ensures CD Projekt games will remain on GOG.

In This Article

  1. Quick Summary
  2. The Deal Details
  3. Strategic Shift for CD Projekt
  4. GOG's Future and Independence
  5. Executive Perspectives

Quick Summary#

CD Projekt has officially sold its digital distribution platform GOG to Michał Kiciński, the original co-founder of the storefront. The deal, finalized for 90.7 million Polish złoty (approximately $25.2 million), marks a significant shift in the company's corporate structure.

The sale is driven by CD Projekt's strategic decision to focus entirely on video game development. With major projects like The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2 in the pipeline, the company aims to streamline its operations. GOG will now operate as an independent entity, continuing its mission to provide DRM-free games to a global audience.

Despite the ownership change, the relationship between the two companies remains strong. A new distribution agreement ensures that future CD Projekt Red releases will be available on GOG. Both leadership teams have confirmed that GOG remains financially stable and ready for future growth under Kiciński's guidance.

The Deal Details#

The transaction involves the transfer of 100% of shares in GOG to Michał Kiciński. Kiciński, who currently holds a 10% share capital in CD Projekt, co-founded GOG in 2008. The platform has been a part of the CD Projekt Group for over 17 years.

According to official statements, the sale price is set at 90.7 million Polish złoty. This valuation reflects the platform's current market position and its value as an independent entity. The funds from the sale will likely bolster CD Projekt's development budget for its upcoming RPG titles.

The deal structure includes specific terms for future cooperation:

  • CD Projekt and GOG have signed a distribution agreement.
  • Upcoming CD Projekt Red games will launch on GOG.
  • GOG will maintain its operational independence.

Michał Nowakowski, joint CEO of CD Projekt, stated that GOG is going into "very good hands." The transition is viewed as a mutually beneficial arrangement that allows both entities to pursue their distinct goals.

"Selling GOG fits CD Projekt’s long-term strategy."

— CD Projekt Statement

Strategic Shift for CD Projekt 🎮#

CD Projekt is aggressively pivoting toward content creation. The company, famous for The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, wants to dedicate its full attention to developing top-quality RPGs.

The current development roadmap is extensive. CD Projekt is actively working on:

  1. The Witcher 4 (part of a new trilogy featuring Ciri).
  2. Cyberpunk 2 (the sequel to the 2020 hit).
  3. The Witcher Remake and Project Sirius.
  4. Project Hadar, a brand new intellectual property.

By divesting GOG, CD Projekt removes the operational complexity of managing a digital storefront. This allows the company to focus its resources on the ambitious development roadmap mentioned by executives. The move effectively separates the publishing platform from the game development studio, giving both sectors room to grow independently.

GOG's Future and Independence#

Under the new ownership, GOG is expected to continue its operations without significant changes to its user-facing model. The platform is renowned for its DRM-free philosophy, which distinguishes it from competitors like Steam.

Michał Kiciński emphasized that the platform's core values remain intact. He noted that the original vision for GOG was to "bring classic games back to players and ensure that once you buy a game, it truly belongs to you — forever."

Kiciński also highlighted plans to expand the catalog with games that have a "retro spirit." He mentioned personal involvement in developing several such titles, which are slated to appear on GOG in 2026. Furthermore, the platform recently gained attention for supporting the indie game Horses after it was banned from Steam, signaling its commitment to niche and controversial titles.

Regarding financial health, the company has explicitly addressed concerns. In a public FAQ, it was stated that "GOG is stable and has had a really encouraging year," with increasing enthusiasm from gamers toward the platform's mission.

Executive Perspectives#

Leadership from both CD Projekt and GOG has expressed optimism regarding the transaction. The consensus is that the sale benefits both the developer and the storefront.

Michał Kiciński commented on the alignment of values between the two entities: "CD Projekt and GOG share the same roots and values: freedom, independence, and a genuine sense of ownership." He assured users that CD Projekt's AAA games would continue to be available on GOG, making it "the best place on the planet to purchase The Witcher and Cyberpunk games."

Michał Nowakowski, joint CEO of CD Projekt, reinforced the strategic rationale: "With our focus now fully on an ambitious development roadmap and expanding our franchises with new high-quality products, we felt this was the right time for this move."

He concluded with a message to the community: "And to the GOG community, I say 'see you around,' because our upcoming releases will naturally be available on GOG as well." This confirms that despite the separation, the two brands will continue to collaborate closely.

"When Marcin Iwiński and I came up with the idea for GOG, the vision was simple: bring classic games back to players and ensure that once you buy a game, it truly belongs to you — forever."

— Michał Kiciński

"GOG is stable and has had a really encouraging year."

— GOG FAQ

"We are convinced that with the support of Michał Kiciński, one of GOG’s co-founders, its future will be full of great projects and successes."

— Michał Nowakowski, Joint CEO of CD Projekt

Continue scrolling for more

AI Transforms Mathematical Research and Proofs
Technology

AI Transforms Mathematical Research and Proofs

Artificial intelligence is shifting from a promise to a reality in mathematics. Machine learning models are now generating original theorems, forcing a reevaluation of research and teaching methods.

Just now
4 min
200
Read Article
Kokuho: The Kabuki Film That Defied Hollywood
Entertainment

Kokuho: The Kabuki Film That Defied Hollywood

A nearly three-hour film about Kabuki was never supposed to be a box office juggernaut, but 'Kokuho' has defied expectations to become Japan's top live-action hit — and an Oscars international feature shortlister.

30m
5 min
6
Read Article
Iran Protests: Biggest Challenge Since 1979
Politics

Iran Protests: Biggest Challenge Since 1979

Current protests in Iran represent the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic since its founding in 1979, according to experts. While opposition remains fractured, uncertainty about the country's future continues to grow.

33m
5 min
6
Read Article
LSEG Launches 24/7 Blockchain Settlement Platform
Economics

LSEG Launches 24/7 Blockchain Settlement Platform

London Stock Exchange Group has launched a groundbreaking blockchain-based settlement platform, enabling 24/7 processing of tokenized bank deposits across different currencies and networks.

37m
5 min
6
Read Article
Iran Protests: Death Toll Surpasses 2,600
Politics

Iran Protests: Death Toll Surpasses 2,600

The nationwide protests challenging Iran's theocracy appeared increasingly smothered Thursday, a week on from authorities shutting the country off from the world and escalating a bloody crackdown that activists say killed at least 2,615 people.

38m
5 min
6
Read Article
Uganda's Museveni Seeks Seventh Term in Tense Election
Politics

Uganda's Museveni Seeks Seventh Term in Tense Election

Uganda stands at a critical juncture as millions prepare to vote in a presidential election steeped in tension. President Yoweri Museveni, Africa's longest-serving leader, is seeking a seventh term in office, but his challengers and critics say the race is anything but free or fair.

39m
5 min
6
Read Article
US Launches Phase Two of Gaza Peace Plan Amid Ceasefire Delays
Politics

US Launches Phase Two of Gaza Peace Plan Amid Ceasefire Delays

The United States announced the second phase of its Gaza peace plan on Wednesday, moving forward despite the absence of a complete ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

41m
4 min
0
Read Article
The Real AI Talent War Is for Plumbers and Electricians
Economics

The Real AI Talent War Is for Plumbers and Electricians

The AI boom is driving an unprecedented wave of data center construction, but there aren’t enough skilled tradespeople in the US to keep up.

41m
5 min
6
Read Article
Asus ROG Falcata: The Split Gaming Keyboard Redefining Ergonomics
Technology

Asus ROG Falcata: The Split Gaming Keyboard Redefining Ergonomics

The Asus ROG Falcata merges gaming keyboard aesthetics and performance with ergonomic comfort, creating a unique and expensive hybrid device for a specialized user base.

41m
5 min
2
Read Article
Eurovision Announces Global Live Tour
Entertainment

Eurovision Announces Global Live Tour

A new global live tour is set to bring the magic of the Eurovision Song Contest to audiences worldwide, featuring legendary performers from its rich history.

43m
3 min
6
Read Article
🎉

You're all caught up!

Check back later for more stories

Back to Home