GOG explores returning physical editions to PC gaming

Digital storefront GOG is considering a long-term plan to allow customers to purchase physical copies of games from their existing digital libraries. Marcin Paczynski, GOG’s Senior Business Development and Partnerships Manager, described the vision of a system where users could select a title from their GOG library and have a physical version delivered directly to their homes.

However, the company faces significant logistical and legal hurdles. Implementing a physical retail model would require GOG to establish entirely new infrastructures for warehousing, inventory management, and global shipping. Additionally, the platform would need to secure specific new permissions and approvals from game publishers to distribute physical media.

While the exact format of the physical media remains undecided, discussions have touched on alternatives to traditional optical discs, such as USB drives or SD cards, to accommodate modern computers that often lack disc drives. As an interim step, GOG has collaborated with the Big Box Collection project to provide files that allow users to print and assemble physical boxes for classic titles like Myst, Descent, and Hitman: Codename 47.