Sony's announcement that it will cease releasing new games in physical format for PlayStation starting in 2028 has reignited an old debate in the entertainment sector: who truly owns digitally purchased games?
GOG's Stance Against DRM
In response to the decision, GOG (Good Old Games) intensified its defense of its distribution system, which does not use Digital Rights Management (DRM). The company argues that consumers must maintain continuous access to the titles they acquire, regardless of changes in business models or platforms used.
GOG's Operation and Philosophy
Unlike established digital retailers such as Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store, GOG offers the functionality to download game installers in offline mode. This means that after acquisition, the player can save the files and install the game without depending on an active internet connection or the platform itself.
Krzysztof Papliński, Co-CEO of GOG, emphasized that the industry's transition to a digital environment makes this discussion even more crucial. He told Eurogamer that any move away from physical media intensifies the conversation about game preservation and ownership. According to him, technological progress should not harm the consumer's right to access the games they bought, ensuring they remain accessible despite changes in stores or commercial models.
