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For PC gaming, there are just two storefronts I shop at: Steam and GOG. Both have their benefits, from a stellar selection of games to generous refund policies. But ever since I’ve been aware of GOG, I make it a point to check there first because it offers more than the game itself.
Here’s why I get my games from GOG whenever I can…
1The Feeling of Ownership
Without a doubt, GOG’s greatest strength is the lack ofDRM. Looking at some of my treasured games from childhood, having a copy of a game that I can do whatever I want with is incredibly consumer-friendly. That alone is enough for me to give GOG my business as often as I can.
That’s not the case with Steam; in fact, there are restrictions and unwanted baggage such as:
The last point is a particular thorn in my side. Part of the reason I sought out older games was to share them with my kids. I can’t do that on Steam without jumping through several agonizing steps with Family Sharing.
GOG, on the other hand, is as simple as downloading the installer to the desired PC or transferring from a storage device, like anexternal SSD.
2No Launcher, No Problem
No, I don’t want to install another launcher. No, I don’t want to give a business my data (more than I already do). And no, I don’t want another launcher running in the background or bogging down my PC on startup. I didn’t think this would affect me so deeply, but GOG offers relief.
When I pick up a game on GOG, I never have to openGOG Galaxy. Ever. As long as you have the installer, which you can download straight from the browser, GOG Galaxy never has a reason to be idle in the background or be installed on your PC to begin with.
And you know what? GOG Galaxy is actually pretty good. The UI is slim, easy-to-use, and you’ve got integration with other services like Steam and Epic Games Store if you’re trying to connect your library.
3Good Old Games
GOG lives up to its name because I can’t think of a better place to purchase older games, at least digitally. By no means is Steam’s selection bad. I’d wager half of my retro library is on Steam, but that growth has only slowed since I started using GOG.
I’m aware Steam can’t house every game on the planet; I can accept the reality of exclusivity rights, the logistics of storing data, and licensing. However, on more than one occasion, I came across series that were incomplete.
For example, right now I’m working on a playthrough of Icewind Dale, which I bought on Steam. It’s going great and just as fun as I remember, but when I inevitably move onto the sequel, it’ll be on GOG. As it turns out, Icewind Dale II isn’t on Steam. Or how about Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain? Or Mortal Kombat 1 through 4? Those are just a few examples pulled from agrowing listof good games that aren’t on Steam.
From its DRM-free games to its great collection of retro titles, GOG has a robust offering for gamers. So when it comes to choosing between Steam and GOG, I buy from GOG where possible.
