In a major shift within the Polish gaming industry, Michał Kiciński, a co-founder and major shareholder of CD Projekt, has taken full ownership of the GOG digital distribution platform. The landmark deal, valued at 90.7 million Polish złoty (approximately $25 million), sees Kiciński acquiring 100% of GOG's shares from the CD Projekt Group.
A Return to Roots for the GOG Co-Founder
This acquisition marks a full-circle moment for Kiciński, who is recognized as a pioneer of Poland's video game sector. He originally co-founded GOG (formerly Good Old Games) alongside Marcin Iwiński back in 2008. For over 17 years, GOG operated as part of the CD Projekt Group, working closely with CD Projekt Red to distribute acclaimed titles like The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077 globally.
In a detailed blog post, Kiciński reaffirmed the core philosophy that has always defined GOG. "From the very beginning, GOG has always been built on strong values and clear principles," he stated. He recalled the original vision was straightforward: to revive classic games for players and guarantee that a purchased game truly belongs to the buyer forever.
He emphasized the shared DNA between CD Projekt and GOG, rooted in freedom, independence, and genuine ownership. Kiciński, a self-described mature gamer, expressed his personal passion for classic games, believing well-crafted titles from the past can offer as much enjoyment as new releases. He also hinted at future developments, noting his personal involvement in several retro-spirited games slated for a strong debut on GOG in 2026.
Strategic Focus and Future Cooperation
The move allows CD Projekt to sharpen its focus on its core development ambitions. Michał Nowakowski, Joint CEO of CD Projekt, explained the rationale, stating, "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 assured that GOG is moving into excellent hands with its co-founder and expressed confidence in the platform's future under Kiciński's stewardship. Crucially, the separation is amicable and comes with a solidified plan for ongoing collaboration. Both companies have signed a new distribution agreement, ensuring that CD Projekt Red's upcoming games, including future installments of The Witcher and Cyberpunk, will be available on GOG.
Nowakowski had a direct message for the GOG community: "'see you around', because our upcoming releases will naturally be available on GOG as well."
What This Means for Gamers and the GOG Philosophy
For users of the platform, the immediate future looks consistent. GOG will continue to operate as an independent entity and, most importantly, will steadfastly maintain its commitment to being a DRM-free digital storefront. This principle, which forbids intrusive digital rights management software and ensures gamers permanent access to their purchases, remains a cornerstone of its identity.
Maciej Gołębiewski, Managing Director of GOG, underscored this mission. "GOG and Michał Kiciński are aligned by a shared belief that games should live forever," he said. He positioned GOG as a unique sanctuary in an increasingly crowded and restrictive market, committed to reviving classics, ensuring their compatibility with modern PCs, and helping great games find audiences over time.
The financial transaction is notably clean. Kiciński's acquisition is fully financed through committed funding secured at the deal's closing. Importantly, the purchase does not involve him selling any of his existing shares in CD Projekt, maintaining his stake in the AAA game development giant.
This acquisition signals a new, independent chapter for one of gaming's most beloved storefronts, now backed by the vision and capital of its original creator, with a promise to preserve its gamer-first ethos.
