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Entering a new year is like leveling up in a game – new adventures and challenges await, which you approach with all previously gained skills. This is a moment that drives us, and today we’d like to give you a general overview of what is to come this year on GOG, but without spoilers – no one likes those.

2021 went with many exciting activities on GOG as well as – let’s be open about it – with some hard knocks. All of those events allow us to gain more experience, learn from our successes and mistakes and grow in our constant pursuit of delivering you the best gamer-centric platform – with a selection of exceptional games, from timeless classics to new releases, and respect for ownership. This approach won’t change this year either, and we’d like to let you know about two areas that we’re putting in the spotlight in 2022.

Let’s start with the platform experience. This is a big one, as we want you to have the best experience when buying the game of your choosing, browsing the catalog, checking the best deals and new releases, finding hidden gems, or discovering that next game to play! There is a lot we can improve here – we know – and this year our development teams’ pipelines are full of projects we hope you’ll enjoy. While we won’t be sharing the exact features just yet, we want to highlight the few that have already been released and are available on GOG, which should give you a good sense of things to come.

First and foremost is the new and improved catalog that has recently gone live to all users. It brings you a new way to carry out more customized searches, sort and filter games by price and release date range, genres, and tags. With your help, we were able to first test the new catalog by slowly rolling it out to more users, monitoring its performance, and gathering initial feedback. Judging by some of your comments, we can already see you appreciate the ease of navigating the offer, especially during bigger sales, and how fast the catalog works – thanks! Our devs are planning further improvements like expanding the tags system – adding new ones, improving filtering, or giving an option to exclude tags from results. Oh, and one more thing – we've heard you were missing the "all-time bestsellers" sorting option. Well, it's back!



Secondly, we want to keep on improving your experience with GOG GALAXY. The client remains an important part of our platform and offers a unique way of interacting with GOG, if you decide to use it. Our approach right now focuses on making the main view in GOG GALAXY more dynamic and live – one way to do it is to show what cool stuff is happening on the platform, something you may have noticed during the Winter Sale when we highlighted the event and the giveaways. In the coming weeks, we will be testing some more changes in the client, so if you’d like to see them first, make sure to toggle the “Experimental features and updates” option in the settings.

And since we’re on the topic of testing, there are more features to come this year, and we’d like to keep you involved in the process. That’s why, before releasing improvements to all users, we will be asking some of you to test these ideas and share your feedback with us, just as we did with the new catalog. With some features, we’ll want to surprise you, so expect the unexpected improvements as well!

And what is the second area of our focus, you may ask. It’s games, of course! But not just any games – it’s about classics. While we’re years from calling ourselves Good Old Games, we remember our roots, and those games will always have a special place in our hearts and on GOG. We get that actions speak louder than words, that’s why we will increase our activities around classic games. This means a plethora of things – from preparing articles and interviews about those meaningful titles, running dedicated sales and special deals, through adding more digital goodies all the way to releasing even more classic games we all miss. As for the latter, obviously we’ll keep those surprises a secret for now, but looking at the classics we brought back in Q4 2021, like Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain or Star Trek: Armada I & II, you get what we’re aiming for.



Just like with the store experience, the same goes for classic games – you may have already seen our first activities around them. For some time now we’re cooperating with The Video Game History Foundation on the Throwback Thursday initiative. Putting a spotlight on our favorite “good old games”, and adding personal stories from the GOG Team members was a no-brainer and we don’t know why it took us so long! The formula is still evolving though, so expect some updates here as well.

During the Winter Sale, thanks to the Foundation’s huge archive of assets, we were able to add new bonus goodies to titles like Tomb Raider 1+2+3, , [url=https://www.gog.com/en/game/total_anihilation_commander_pack]Total Annihilation, Thief The Dark Project, and more. Your reception was amazing – for the very first time we’ve put on sale The Video Game History Foundation Support Pack, a bundle from which all proceeds go to the Foundation. Thanks to you, we managed to gather more than $4,000 USD that will support preserving, celebrating, and teaching the history of video games. You’re the best – thank you!



That is all for now – while we don’t want to spoil any specific features, releases, or activities, we hope you like this small heads-up from us at GOG. Let us know if this type of update is something you would like to see more often, what is missing that you would definitely want us to share (having in mind sometimes we just can’t reveal some of the stuff), and share constructive feedback about our plans for 2022!
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Magnitus: I think the logistically viable long term solution for that is to vastly improve the reach of intermediate compatibility layers like Dosbox, wine and Proton where you don't need to keep the code of individual games up to date with future os iterations, just the code for the layers. Ironically, given its need to adapt a lot of games that were designed for another platform, Linux is ahead of the game in that department.
I use Linux, so thankfully these MS compatibility issues don't really affect me.
/smugfont ;-)

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Magnitus: Overall though, for the foreseeable future, I don't think we can expect a lot of focus from the gaming industry on this. It already feels like pulling teeth just to get them to provide a venue for ownership, let alone support it properly.

Otherwise, as imperfect as that support currently is, I'd rather place my bet on a store that I expect to stick around for the foreseeable future.
Ok, but it begs the question though as to how effectively GOG is updating the installers for their catalogue to be compatible with Windows 11? As far as I am aware (given that I don't use Windows myself), Zoom Platform is very good for W11 compatibility and they work hard to make sure all their installers are up-to-date. However, it's fair to point out that they currently have a smaller catalogue to maintain.
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GOG.com: [...]what is missing that you would definitely want us to share (having in mind sometimes we just can’t reveal some of the stuff)
Just noticed this part of the OP. The lack of clear commitment to DRM-free really stands out even more when you look at it this way. Of course this comment of mine will just get downvoted by the loser and his bot, while the staff will likely ignore me and the others in this topic who specifically raise concern about GOG's commitment to DRM-free.
Rather late to the party, but let me weigh in on this as well.

First, appreciate the communication, and I hope this aspect will continue to improve, because it's been sorely lacking for a long time.

I also appreciate the intent to get back to focusing more on older titles.
On that note, however, while your focus is understandably on ensuring compatibility with newer systems, this should not result in destroying the existing compatibility with older ones, for those who have retro (or just old) computers.
Also, as was already suggested, if Galaxy integration causes such loss of compatibility, there should be a way, like generic dummy files or a patch to place in the game's directory and run in order to make those replacements, to eliminate the integration and recover the compatibility lost because of it.
And, at least where it should pose no technical problem, such as for DOSBox or ScummVM titles, Linux installers should also be provided in all cases.
And, of course, my major issue... If you could at least for old titles return to your original second clear, stated value, one world one price, or at least ensure that no region pays more than the base (US) price, just allowing discounts where you and the publisher deem appropriate...

About the new catalog, appreciate the new filters, but please also add back the date added sorting method, and if possible also a filter for it.
And make proper use of the list view, instead of all that empty space fill it with more information about each game, to act as a "details" view.
And it would also be nice if the bestselling option would be separated for value and number of units.

About the library, the problem was replied to already but please find some way to connect the different editions and components of a title, to finally mark as owned all that are included in the edition that is owned.
Speaking of that, any chance to return to the "owned" mark instead of "in library"? May be just words, but the difference in how they sound is significant.

On that note, I find it baffling that I need to even mention the need to recommit firmly to being fully DRM-free for single player, as in ensuring that the entire single player content of all games on GOG.com can be fully experienced without any connections, activations and clients. (That just mentioning this here seems to ensure low ratings is downright frightening.)

Regarding other recent changes, I already wrote about this elsewhere, but I'll just quickly mention that the new launch article "template" is simply awful, and makes release posts quite useless. Especially with GOG.com being a curated store, a release announcement should say why that game is here, what made you select it, past what the publisher wants to put in the description.
As it is, no additional information in the individual announcements, they just ensure that they scroll off the page for no reason, so maybe a single announcement listing a day's releases, when there are multiple, would suffice, and would also ensure that they won't scroll off as easily. Again, don't suggest this because I'd prefer it, but at this point, unless you return to truly descriptive announcements, may be the lesser evil.

On that note, any chance to allow older news to be browsed easily? Maybe a news page listing them, if you don't want to allow that on the front page itself?

As for the support system... Please don't keep the bot.
The old system also searched the knowledge base, so the search could and should be improved, but there's no reason to use a chatbot for it, no reason for it to pretend it's a person having a chat when it's not, and just adding that typing animation and an unnecessary delay.
Also, whatever you do with the chatbot, there should be a clear way to still access the support form and be able to submit all that information and the detailed description of the problem as it used to be.
And while the chatbot is around, there also needs to be a way to tell it to not send the entire conversation when a support request is submitted. People may mess with a bot or, knowing it's a bot, say things they may not want seen by an actual person they'll then be talking to.
Still on the matter of support, what are the chances of the requests page returning someday, to be able to track your support requests from there again instead of needing to save the e-mails and/or links for each?

Otherwise, in terms of long-lasting major problems, more steps absolutely need to be taken in order to ensure that the 2nd class citizen treatment will no longer be a thing on GOG, at least in terms of singleplayer. Update and content parity (again, at least for singleplayer) must be enforced by you, with severe penalties for the publishers who fail to do so.

And, for a ball that's entirely in your court, offline installers must always have parity with Galaxy installers.
And that should also be obvious to the users so, as I already stated in a reply to the relevant comment, in case some updates only apply to Galaxy or are beta versions or simply have a different naming or numbering scheme and may give the impression that the offline installer is behind while that's not really the case, that should be specified in a note, listing the Galaxy installer version the offline one is equivalent to and listing any Galaxy-only or beta patches newer than it, if applicable.
Also, especially where later versions introduce bugs or incompatibilities, previous versions must also be available as offline installers if they are available for Galaxy users.
And also about offline installers, please provide checksums to let people easily verify downloads if they wish.

I'm sure I forgot something, but this is long enough as it is, and mostly already covered by others anyway. But if some GOG employees are taking the time to read it, thank you for it.
Post edited February 05, 2022 by Cavalary
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SmollestLight:
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Time4Tea: Maybe it's time for you to stop dodging users' honest questions?
Why won't you answer how many games you've purchased from GoG during your "boycott" of GoG? I've asked you a multitude of times, yet you hide from the question.
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Time4Tea: Maybe it's time for you to stop dodging users' honest questions?
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Krogan32: Why won't you answer how many games you've purchased from GoG during your "boycott" of GoG? I've asked you a multitude of times, yet you hide from the question.
Even as dedicated as you may be to derailing that topic, I guarantee the old-school-minded users here have asked GOG even more of a multitude of times about the DRM issue they remain, essentially, silent about.
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It's funny he seems to think that people are hiding from him, when they are just ignoring him.
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Krogan32: Why won't you answer how many games you've purchased from GoG during your "boycott" of GoG? I've asked you a multitude of times, yet you hide from the question.
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rjbuffchix: Even as dedicated as you may be to derailing that topic, I guarantee the old-school-minded users here have asked GOG even more of a multitude of times about the DRM issue they remain, essentially, silent about.
I'm just pointing out his hypocrisy in claiming that SmollestLight is dodging users' questions while dodging my questions. I know... I know. That's a difficult concept for you to comprehend.
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Longcat: It's funny he seems to think that people are hiding from him, when they are just ignoring him.
well you typed this yourself

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Longcat: Silence is consent.

[url=]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Silence_and_consensus[/url]
If you are going to use it against one you have to use it against all so since he isn't responding that means he is buying games.
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maybe gog should just switch from game distribution to telling comedy and fairy tales. you guys are the best at that, besides scamming customers
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GOG.com: ...
First and foremost is the new and improved catalog that has recently gone live to all users. It brings you a new way to carry out more customized searches, sort and filter games by price and release date range, genres, and tags.
...
its already broken and doesn't work at ALL!!!
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apehater: maybe gog should just switch from game distribution to telling comedy and fairy tales. you guys are the best at that, besides scamming customers
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GOG.com: ...
First and foremost is the new and improved catalog that has recently gone live to all users. It brings you a new way to carry out more customized searches, sort and filter games by price and release date range, genres, and tags.
...
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apehater: its already broken and doesn't work at ALL!!!
Works fine for me. Maybe you should learn to use the system before you shoot off your mouth.
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Longcat: Silence is consent.

[url=]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Silence_and_consensus[/url]
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wolfsite: If you are going to use it against one you have to use it against all so since he isn't responding that means he is buying games.
I have engaged with the user in question previously in the boycott thread and addressed their points and comments in detail. He clearly had no interest in what I had to say and ended up repeatedly branding me as a liar and hypocrite. I'm not under any obligation to continue engaging with people who are dead set on being toxic and abusive.
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Longcat: It's funny he seems to think that people are hiding from him, when they are just ignoring him.
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wolfsite: well you typed this yourself

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Longcat: Silence is consent.

[url=]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Silence_and_consensus[/url]
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wolfsite: If you are going to use it against one you have to use it against all so since he isn't responding that means he is buying games.
Lol. No, I don't. If you can't see the difference between a troll demanding answers to obviously leading questions from random strangers on the internet, and paying customers asking their retailer for information about the products they purchase, I can't help you. If you yell "You're stupid forrest!" in the forrest and it doesn't reply back, do you think that is consent? LMFAO.

And I said nothing about his question. I said he seems to think that people are hiding from him, when they are just ignoring him. Learn to read and get over yourself. You know he is asking a loaded question to someone he wants to ridicule. An open question would be; "Have you purchased any games since you started the boycott?"

[url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loaded_question#:~:text=A%20loaded%20question%20is%20a,%2C%20a%20presumption%20of%20guilt).&text=Thus%2C%20these%20facts%20are%20presupposed,many%20questions%20has%20been%20committed]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loaded_question#:~:text=A%20loaded%20question%20is%20a,%2C%20a%20presumption%20of%20guilt).&text=Thus%2C%20these%20facts%20are%20presupposed,many%20questions%20has%20been%20committed[/url].

And if you want an answer from a random person on the internet (even though it is none of your business what so ever), I can give you one; I have purchased zero games since Hitman GOTY was released here, and I'm not even on the boycottlist. You guys are slightly amusing, but I'm getting bored with you.
Post edited February 05, 2022 by Longcat
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wolfsite: well you typed this yourself

If you are going to use it against one you have to use it against all so since he isn't responding that means he is buying games.
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Longcat: Lol. No, I don't. If you can't see the difference between a troll demanding answers to obviously leading questions from random strangers on the internet, and paying customers asking their retailer for information about the products they purchase, I can't help you. If you yell "You're stupid forrest!" in the forrest and it doesn't reply back, do you think that is consent? LMFAO.

And I said nothing about his question. I said he seems to think that people are hiding from him, when they are just ignoring him. Learn to read and get over yourself. You know he is asking a loaded question to someone he wants to ridicule. An open question would be; "Have you purchased any games since you started the boycott?"

[url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loaded_question#:~:text=A%20loaded%20question%20is%20a,%2C%20a%20presumption%20of%20guilt).&text=Thus%2C%20these%20facts%20are%20presupposed,many%20questions%20has%20been%20committed]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loaded_question#:~:text=A%20loaded%20question%20is%20a,%2C%20a%20presumption%20of%20guilt).&text=Thus%2C%20these%20facts%20are%20presupposed,many%20questions%20has%20been%20committed[/url].

And if you want an answer from a random person on the internet (even though it is none of your business what so ever), I can give you one; I have purchased zero games since Hitman GOTY was released here, and I'm not even on the boycottlist. You guys are slightly amusing, but I'm getting bored with you.
The problem with this is you are setting a double standard, you can't say one person or group/company doesn't have to answer because it doesn't prove that have done anything, but then turn around and say because another group/company person doesn't answer thus it proves that are complicit.

The other problem with your argument is that there is no way to communicate with a forest because a forest is incapable of responding in a way a human can understand, thus this is not a supportive argument.

Then the third thing, you can't assume what he is thinking, you have no proof that this person believes people are hiding from them, there is nothing to support this.

As for the "It's none of your business" argument, this is a forum for GOG website users, thus anyone who has an account can participate in any discussion on it, so no one has any right to say any topic on this forum not the business of others, if you were having a private chat or message then yes that would be none of my business but this is an open forum for GOG users..

If you are bored on these forums you are more then welcome to participate in other activities such as playing some compute games, talking to friends or anything else you find interesting i'd hate to see you here if you are not enjoying it.
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Time4Tea: Excellent post. Yes, GOG needs to be willing to engage in discussions about DRM-free and Devotion, if it is really serious about regaining the trust of its user base.

The 9348 people who have signed the Devotion wishlist request have still not received any acknowledgement or honest explanation.

These issues are not going to go away.
It is not about GOG's willingness, but what the upper management of the CDP Group may allow them to say about the Devotion incident, which of course is nothing at all now that the gaming news sites have moved on to cover other topics.

These things tend to make a lot more sense once you remember that if GOG had been allowed to play chicken with CCP, it would have been the entire CDP Group sitting in the same handcar on rails headed to a crash with CCP's locomotive, so of course the rest of the CDP Group didn't agree to that, especially when they could order GOG to take all the blame for the cancellation of Devotion's release and the following silence.
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Longcat: Lol. No, I don't. If you can't see the difference between a troll demanding answers to obviously leading questions from random strangers on the internet, and paying customers asking their retailer for information about the products they purchase, I can't help you. If you yell "You're stupid forrest!" in the forrest and it doesn't reply back, do you think that is consent? LMFAO.

And I said nothing about his question. I said he seems to think that people are hiding from him, when they are just ignoring him. Learn to read and get over yourself. You know he is asking a loaded question to someone he wants to ridicule. An open question would be; "Have you purchased any games since you started the boycott?"

[url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loaded_question#:~:text=A%20loaded%20question%20is%20a,%2C%20a%20presumption%20of%20guilt).&text=Thus%2C%20these%20facts%20are%20presupposed,many%20questions%20has%20been%20committed]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loaded_question#:~:text=A%20loaded%20question%20is%20a,%2C%20a%20presumption%20of%20guilt).&text=Thus%2C%20these%20facts%20are%20presupposed,many%20questions%20has%20been%20committed[/url].

And if you want an answer from a random person on the internet (even though it is none of your business what so ever), I can give you one; I have purchased zero games since Hitman GOTY was released here, and I'm not even on the boycottlist. You guys are slightly amusing, but I'm getting bored with you.
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wolfsite: The problem with this is you are setting a double standard, you can't say one person or group/company doesn't have to answer because it doesn't prove that have done anything, but then turn around and say because another group/company person doesn't answer thus it proves that are complicit.

The other problem with your argument is that there is no way to communicate with a forest because a forest is incapable of responding in a way a human can understand, thus this is not a supportive argument.

Then the third thing, you can't assume what he is thinking, you have no proof that this person believes people are hiding from them, there is nothing to support this.

As for the "It's none of your business" argument, this is a forum for GOG website users, thus anyone who has an account can participate in any discussion on it, so no one has any right to say any topic on this forum not the business of others, if you were having a private chat or message then yes that would be none of my business but this is an open forum for GOG users..

If you are bored on these forums you are more then welcome to participate in other activities such as playing some compute games, talking to friends or anything else you find interesting i'd hate to see you here if you are not enjoying it.
Yawn. Run and play little one. I have no time for you.