CD Projekt RED Divests GOG, Refocuses Entirely on Game Development
In a strategic maneuver aimed at sharpening its focus on its core competency, CD Projekt RED has officially offloaded its stake in GOG, the digital storefront. The Polish gaming giant has divested 100% of its shares in GOG for a sum of 90.7 million Polish zloty. This significant transaction sees the platform acquired by Michał Kiciński, a co-founder of CD Projekt and one of the original visionaries behind GOG, which first launched in 2008.
The deal, fully funded independently of CD Projekt RED's stock, ensures a continued, albeit separate, relationship between the two entities. A new distribution agreement has been inked, guaranteeing that CD Projekt RED's acclaimed titles, including future blockbusters, will continue to be available on GOG. This means beloved franchises like The Witcher and Cyberpunk will remain accessible to the platform's user base.
"For CD Projekt, this means our focus is entirely on what we do best: creating immersive stories in our games and expanding our own universes with new, high-quality projects," the company stated in a recent X (formerly Twitter) post.
GOG Remains True to its Principles Under New Ownership
Under Michał Kiciński's stewardship, GOG is set to continue its operations without any fundamental shifts in its core philosophy. The platform is renowned for its unwavering commitment to DRM-free games, offering offline installers and empowering players with complete ownership of their purchases. This dedication to player freedom is a cornerstone of GOG's identity.
The GOG Preservation Program, an initiative dedicated to safeguarding digital game history, will also persist. Recently, this program introduced a paid support tier, 'Patrons,' to ensure its long-term viability. Kiciński reiterated that GOG's founding vision remains unchanged: a game, once bought, truly belongs to the player, free from the ephemeral nature of evolving digital clients or closed ecosystems. He indicated that GOG will increasingly champion not only gaming classics but also new titles that capture a distinct retro spirit, with several such projects slated for a 2026 release.
GOG's official statement emphasized its continued independence and a commitment to amplifying the community's voice through new initiatives planned for 2026. User data privacy remains paramount, with GOG GALAXY remaining an optional client. All contributions to the preservation program will be retained within the platform.
Financial Realities Behind the Strategic Shift
This strategic divestment comes in the wake of GOG acknowledging its minimal profitability. While GOG reported revenues of 143 million Polish zloty (approximately $39 million) in the first nine months of 2025, its net profit was a modest 910,000 Polish zloty (around $253,000). The majority of its earnings were absorbed by significant operational costs, including game licensing and intellectual property management.
By shedding GOG, CD Projekt RED is freeing up valuable time and financial resources to pour into its ambitious game development pipeline. The studio has significantly bolstered its teams for The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2, now comprising 560 developers. Furthermore, CD Projekt RED has been actively recruiting top talent, recently bringing on board the cutscene director from Baldur's Gate 3 and a game designer from Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Current projections suggest a new The Witcher trilogy will unfold over the next six years, underscoring CD Projekt RED's revitalized commitment to its flagship gaming universes.
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