In a significant step toward preserving gaming history, GOG.com has launched its GOG Preservation Program, a new initiative that promises to keep beloved classic PC games playable on modern systems even after developers have discontinued support. With an initial selection of 100 games, the program features popular titles like Diablo and its Hellfire expansion, the first three Resident Evil games, Wing Commander III, Ultima VII, and Fallout, among others. These games, now tagged as “Good Old Games” on GOG’s platform, have been adjusted to work seamlessly on current operating systems, ensuring they won’t fade away with time.
The Preservation Program tackles an increasing issue in the gaming industry: with technology advancing rapidly, older games often face compatibility issues, making them unplayable on new hardware and software. Without intervention, many games risk being forgotten as digital relics of a bygone era. While GOG’s program doesn’t add new features to these games, it makes sure they’re functional, stating, “The GOG Preservation Program ensures classic games remain playable on modern systems, even after their developers stopped supporting them.” This effort also provides DRM-free access and dedicated tech support, so players can enjoy their favorite classics without additional hurdles.
In fact, GOG has been informally working on maintaining older games for years. Wing Commander III, for example, received a fix for a German version issue back in 2016, followed by cloud save support in 2019. GOG has ensured the game works on Windows 10 and 11 and fine-tuned the DOSBox emulator settings for enhanced performance. Similarly, SimCity 2000 received optimization updates, while Resident Evil and other console ports were carefully tweaked to deliver an authentic experience on PC. This history of retrofitting and adjusting older titles shows GOG’s dedication to overcoming technical barriers and preserving gaming’s legacy.
Though GOG has not specified whether it will expand the Preservation Program, this commitment to making classic games accessible and enjoyable on modern systems is a laudable step for game preservation efforts. In an era where games are often forgotten once their platforms and operating systems become obsolete, GOG’s initiative offers an accessible way for gamers to revisit iconic titles that shaped the industry. Whether you’re reliving nostalgic favorites or discovering classics for the first time, the GOG Preservation Program helps ensure these memorable experiences endure.