What is GOG and what makes it different?

GOG.com (formerly Good Old Games) is a digital storefront owned by CD Projekt, the company behind The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077. What sets GOG apart is its commitment to selling only DRM-free games. This means you truly own your purchases: you can install them on any computer, play offline without restrictions, and never worry about a launcher going down. GOG started by selling classic PC games from the 90s and 2000s but now offers a full catalog of modern releases alongside its retro collection. In December 2025 the platform was sold to co-founder Michal Kicinski and became privately held.

What does DRM-free mean and why does it matter?

DRM (Digital Rights Management) is software that restricts how you can use a game after purchase. Most platforms like Steam and Epic require their launchers to be running to play games. GOG removes these restrictions entirely. When you buy a game on GOG, you download a standalone installer that works without any launcher or internet connection. You can back up the files, install on multiple computers, and play forever regardless of what happens to GOG as a service. For gamers who value true ownership, GOG is the only major store offering this guarantee on every title.

How do GOG prices compare to Steam?

GOG prices are generally comparable to Steam for the same titles. During GOG's own sales, prices can match or beat Steam's seasonal discounts. Some titles are actually exclusive to GOG, particularly classic games that are unavailable elsewhere. For modern releases available on both platforms, XD.deals shows side-by-side pricing so you can compare. Since GOG offers DRM-free copies, some gamers are willing to pay a small premium for the ownership benefits. Check the price history chart on individual game pages to see how GOG and Steam prices have compared over time.

When does GOG have sales?

GOG runs several major sales each year that roughly align with the gaming industry calendar. The Summer Sale and Winter Sale are the biggest events, often coinciding with or running close to Steam's seasonal sales . GOG also hosts themed promotions, publisher weeks, and flash deals throughout the year. The store occasionally runs exclusive "GOG Connect" events where you can claim GOG copies of games you already own on Steam. For real-time tracking of all GOG discounts, bookmark this page and set up price alerts on titles you want.

Why buy games on GOG instead of Steam?

The primary reason is DRM-free ownership. GOG games work without any launcher, can be backed up as regular files, and will never stop working due to authentication issues. GOG also curates its catalog carefully, ensuring compatibility with modern systems even for decades-old titles. Their customer support is known for being responsive with refund requests. For classic games especially, GOG versions are often the best available, with patches and compatibility fixes included. Compare GOG prices with Steam and keyshops on XD.deals to find the best overall deal.

How to use GOG price history to find the best deal?

Every game page on XD.deals includes a detailed price history chart that tracks GOG pricing alongside Steam, Epic and keyshop prices over time. Look for patterns: most games reach their deepest GOG discounts during the Summer and Winter Sales. The green "Historical Low" badge on this page flags games currently at their cheapest ever GOG price. Combine this information with price alerts to buy at the optimal moment. For the broadest selection of PC game deals across all stores including GOG, browse our main deals page.

Can I get GOG games from third-party stores?

GOG keys are less commonly sold by third-party retailers compared to Steam keys, since GOG's catalog is smaller and the DRM-free model means there is no key activation system in the traditional sense. However, some authorized retailers do sell GOG codes. Humble Store occasionally offers GOG versions of games. For the widest selection of DRM-free deals, GOG itself is the primary source. Check this page for all current GOG discounts, and compare with other store options on individual game pages.