GOG launches $5 monthly subscription to fund classic PC game preservation

GOG's Bold Move: A $5 Monthly Subscription for Preserving Gaming's Past

In a surprising and commendable initiative, CD Projekt Group has launched a new program called "GOG Patrons" on their digital storefront, GOG.com. This isn't your typical subscription service offering access to a vast library of games. Instead, it's a dedicated, voluntary support system designed to directly fund the critical, yet often costly, endeavor of preserving classic PC games. For a modest $5 monthly contribution, fans can become active participants in safeguarding digital gaming heritage.

Beyond the Game: Funding the Unseen Work of Preservation

The core purpose of GOG Patrons is to empower GOG's ongoing efforts in licensing, restoring, and adapting older titles for contemporary gaming systems. This involves a complex web of activities, from legally securing the rights to intellectual property – a notoriously tricky landscape – to meticulously fixing compatibility issues with modern Windows versions and even painstakingly reconstructing lost or broken in-game features. The ultimate goal is to ensure beloved classics, like the iconic Dino Crisis, can be enjoyed today without hitches, while meticulously retaining their original authenticity. GOG isn't just selling games; they're acting as digital archaeologists, piecing together fragments of gaming history.

The Financial Realities of Digital Nostalgia

CD Projekt openly acknowledges that the GOG platform operates on razor-thin margins, often running at a loss, serving more as a labor of love and a complementary arm to CD Projekt Group's main business. Financial reports for the first nine months of 2025 revealed a modest profit of 910,000 Polish złoty (approximately $253,000) on revenues of 143 million Polish złoty ($39 million). The substantial portion of this revenue was consumed by high operational costs, particularly the complex and expensive process of licensing games and navigating intellectual property rights, which CD Projekt doesn't always have complete control over.

Patrons: A Path to Accelerate Preservation Efforts

GOG articulates that "GOG Patrons is not a life raft. It's a way to move further and faster." They emphasize that the act of preservation is inherently resource-intensive, demanding significant time, financial investment, and skilled personnel. While GOG has historically found ways to continue this work, they believe that with the dedicated support of their community through the Patrons program, they can achieve even more. Every contribution made through this subscription is earmarked exclusively for the daily operations of the preservation program, ensuring direct impact.

Rewarding Dedication: Exclusive Perks for Patrons

In gratitude for their commitment, GOG Patrons are bestowed with a suite of exclusive benefits. These include access to a private Discord server featuring unique video content, a special mention on the game pages of titles within the Preservation Program, and a distinct badge adorning their GOG profile. This tiered reward system not only acknowledges but also celebrates the dedication of those who choose to invest in keeping gaming's legacy alive. The ability to cancel the subscription at any time offers flexibility, making it an accessible way for dedicated fans to show their support.