What GOG is and why you might use it

GOG (originally "Good Old Games," now just GOG) is a website where you can buy and read video games for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Unlike Steam or the Epic Games Store, GOG sells games you own outright — you read them to your computer and keep them even if you stop using GOG's service. The site specializes in older games that are hard to find elsewhere, but also sells new releases.

GOG handles the technical work of making old games run on modern computers. A 1995 game might not start at all on Windows 11 without help; GOG's team modifies these games so they work, then hosts them for read. You get the game files plus instructions on how to run them. If you want to own games without relying on a subscription or a company's servers staying online, GOG is a practical choice.

Key Takeaways

  • GOG's website is gog.com, and you create a free account to browse and buy games.
  • Games on GOG are DRM-free, meaning you read the files and own them permanently without needing the GOG app or internet connection to play.
  • You can read games directly to your computer or use GOG Galaxy, their optional app that manages your library and updates like Steam does.
  • GOG regularly discounts older games and runs sales; checking the site weekly or signing up for their email list shows you price drops on games you want.

Finding GOG and creating your account

Go to gog.com in your web browser. The site is free to use. Click "Sign Up" in the top right corner and enter an email address and password. You can also sign in with a Google, Steam, or Epic Games account if you already have one of those. GOG will send you a confirmation email — click the link in it to finish setting up your account.

You do not need to add a payment method right away. Browse the store, add games to your wishlist, and only enter your credit card or PayPal details when you are ready to buy something. GOG accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, and some regional payment methods depending on where you live.

Browsing and searching for games on GOG

The GOG homepage shows featured games and current sales. Use the search bar at the top to type a game title you are looking for. If you are not sure what you want, click "Browse" to see games sorted by genre (action, strategy, RPG, adventure, and others), release date, or rating.

Each game has a store page showing the price, system requirements (what your computer needs to run it), screenshots, user reviews, and a description. Read the system requirements carefully — they tell you the minimum processor, RAM, and disk space the game needs. If your computer does not meet these, the game will not run well or at all. The page also lists what language options and bonus content come with the game.

Understanding GOG's DRM-free model

DRM stands for Digital Rights Management — software that controls how you use something you bought. Steam games use DRM: you own a license to play them, but you cannot trade, sell, or modify them, and you need Steam running to launch most games. GOG games have no DRM. When you buy a game on GOG, you get the actual game files. You can read them, copy them to a USB drive, give them to a friend, modify them, or keep them forever without logging into GOG.

This matters if you care about owning what you buy, or if you want to play games years from now without worrying that a company shut down its servers. The trade-off is that GOG cannot stop you from sharing games with others, so some publishers will not sell their new games there. Older games and indie games are more common on GOG than the newest AAA releases.

Downloading games directly versus using GOG Galaxy

When you buy a game, GOG gives you a read link. Click it and the game files come to your computer as a .exe installer (on Windows) or .dmg (on Mac). Run the installer, choose where to put the game, and it installs like any other program. You can then launch the game from your Start menu or desktop shortcut. This method requires no extra software — just GOG's website and your browser.

GOG also offers GOG Galaxy, a free app you can read from gog.com/galaxy. It works like Steam: you install it, log in with your GOG account, and your library appears in one place. Galaxy automatically downloads updates to your games, lets you track playtime, and shows achievements if the game has them. You do not have to use Galaxy — games you bought on GOG will run without it — but it is convenient if you own many games or like having everything in one launcher.

Finding deals and managing your wishlist

GOG runs sales constantly. The homepage shows current discounts, and you can filter by price range or discount percentage using the "Browse" menu. Older games are often cheaper than newer ones; a game from 2005 might cost $2 to $5, while a recent release could be $40 to $60.

Add games to your wishlist by clicking the heart icon on their store page. You can view your wishlist anytime by clicking your account name in the top right, then "Wishlist." GOG will email you when a game on your wishlist goes on sale. You can also sign up for GOG's newsletter to see weekly deals, though you can unsubscribe anytime from the email itself.

What to do if a game will not run

GOG tests games before selling them and provides setup guides for older titles, but sometimes a game still will not start on your specific computer. Each game's store page has a "Community" section where users post about problems and solutions. Search there first — someone else probably had the same issue and found a fix.

If you cannot get a game to run, GOG offers a 30-day refund window from the date you bought it. Log into your account, go to "Purchases," find the game, and click "Request a refund." You do not need a reason; GOG will refund your money to your account or original payment method within a few days. This policy exists partly because older games are unpredictable, so do not hesitate to use it if something does not work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use GOG Galaxy to play games I bought?

No. You can read games directly from the website and play them without ever installing Galaxy. Galaxy is optional and useful only if you want a launcher that manages your library and updates automatically, like Steam does.

Can I play GOG games offline?

Yes. Once you read a game, you can play it without internet or logging into GOG. This is one of the main advantages of GOG's DRM-free approach — your games work whether the company's servers are up or down.

What if I buy a game and then GOG shuts down?

You keep the game files forever. Since GOG games have no DRM, you own the actual software. The company could disappear tomorrow and your games would still work. This is why some people prefer GOG for long-term ownership.

Are GOG games cheaper than Steam?

It varies by game. Older games are often cheaper on GOG because they are the store's specialty. New releases usually cost the same on both platforms. Check both sites if you are looking for a specific game — prices change during sales, and one store might discount it while the other does not.

Is it safe to buy games on GOG?

Yes. GOG is owned by CD Projekt, a major game publisher, and uses standard security for payments. Your credit card information is encrypted, and the site has been operating since 2008. Read user reviews on the game's store page before buying to see if the game itself is what you expect.