Introduction

In a surprising move, Blizzard Entertainment is set to delist its iconic real-time strategy titles, Warcraft I and II, from GOG.com, the go-to platform for classic PC games. This decision follows the recent launch of Blizzard's own remastered versions of these games, a release that has drawn mixed reactions from fans due to its high price point and subpar execution.

GOG's Preservation Initiative

GOG, originally branded as Good Old Games and now a subsidiary of CD Projekt Red (the studio behind blockbuster titles like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077), is using this opportunity to reinforce its dedication to game preservation. The digital storefront announced last month a new preservation initiative aimed at maintaining older PC games and adapting them to run smoothly on modern hardware. This includes beloved classics like the original versions of Resident Evil and Diablo, in addition to the Warcraft titles.

Assuring Existing Players

Despite Warcraft I and II being removed from GOG's store on December 13th at the request of Blizzard—now under Microsoft’s ownership—the platform assures that players who already purchased these titles will receive ongoing updates to ensure their continued compatibility. "Once a game joins the Program, we pledge to maintain its compatibility even if it gets delisted from the store," reads GOG's announcement, emphasizing their commitment to providing tech support and a seamless gaming experience, even as operating systems evolve.

Blizzard's Strategy and Community Reaction

Blizzard’s decision to retire these versions appears to align with its strategy to redirect fans towards their recently released remasters, which are packaged at a higher price of $25. However, the reception to the remasters has been lukewarm; players have expressed dissatisfaction with the visual changes, labeling them cheap and poorly thought out, especially regarding new graphic styles that have drawn criticism for appearing AI-upscaled and poorly proportioned.

Incentives for Original Titles

GOG is currently incentivizing purchases of the original titles by offering a $2 discount before their delisting. “We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Blizzard on these titles,” the company stated, emphasizing that existing owners will have access to preserved versions of Warcraft I and II, ensuring their games remain playable for years to come.

The Future of Game Preservation

What does this mean for the future of game preservation? As companies like Blizzard prioritize their remakes, GOG stands as a beacon for those who wish to hold on to nostalgia while ensuring access to the original gaming experiences remains viable. Will other platforms follow GOG’s lead, or will we continue to see classic titles disappear in favor of pricier, modern versions? Only time will tell, but for now, GOG is setting a precedent that values both history and player experience in the gaming community.