In the expansive landscape of PC gaming, players frequently navigate an array of digital storefronts and game launchers to access their preferred titles. While many platforms exist, Steam generally stands out for its superior user experience. However, GOG has carved out a unique position, particularly for enthusiasts of DRM-free games and classic titles, offering an alternative that emphasizes player ownership and retro compatibility, despite facing an uphill battle against Steam's dominance.
Dave Oshry, CEO of New Blood, a publisher known for games like Dusk and Ultrakill, recently shared his perspective on GOG's struggles during an interview with RPG Site. Oshry pointed to a pivotal moment in GOG's history: when Steam broadened its catalog to include classic games, eroding GOG's initial advantage as the primary hub for older titles. He elaborated that while GOG offers valuable features such as one-click mod installers and the ability to host community projects like Fallout London, these attractions primarily appeal to a niche audience.
Oshry highlighted that GOG's sales now represent only a small fraction, typically 1% to 5%, of what games achieve on Steam, a significant drop from its previous 5% to 10% share. Despite acknowledging GOG's positive attributes and the community's desire for its success, Oshry admitted he personally lacks a compelling reason to choose GOG or its GOG Galaxy launcher over Steam for his own gaming needs. He recounted a recent experience playing "The Journeyman Project" games on GOG, noting the effort required to make them functional on modern systems, ultimately resulting in a brief nostalgic session before uninstallation.
While GOG faces challenges, it maintains certain advantages. Its commitment to DRM-free gaming allows users to download and store games locally, a significant draw in an industry increasingly reliant on digital rights management. Additionally, GOG hosts a selection of classic games, such as Diablo 1 and early Resident Evil titles, that are not available on Steam. Oshry also critiqued the Epic Games Store, suggesting that its strategy of offering free games and higher developer royalties is insufficient to challenge Steam's market leadership if player engagement and sales volumes remain low. He implied that Epic's giveaways might inadvertently serve as marketing tools for sales on other platforms rather than building a loyal user base for Epic itself.
Dave Oshry expressed his appreciation for GOG's dedication to game preservation and enhancing the user experience, especially with its new ownership aiming for improvements. However, he underscored a critical concern: GOG's long-term viability hinges on its ability to attract and retain a substantial user base. The platform's future success depends on convincing more players that its unique offerings provide sufficient value to make it a primary destination, ensuring its continued relevance in the competitive digital distribution market.