Players Debate Shifting Steam Libraries to GOG | Cost, Ownership, and Digital Rights
Gamers are engaged in a lively discussion across forums about the implications of moving their Steam libraries to GOG, with many advocating for true ownership through DRM-free access. Economic constraints and the availability of titles on GOG complicate this potential migration, stoking a surge of opinions.
The Financial Hurdle of Migration
A recurrent theme in community discussions is the cost of moving to GOG. "If I had enough cash, 100% sure," remarked one player, reflecting a common sentiment about financial limitations. Another player noted, "I couldn't afford it. There used to be a thing called connect but they stopped doing that ages ago," highlighting frustrations with past programs that facilitated easier transitions.
Community Sentiments Around Game Preferences
Selective Migration: The Preferred Approach
Many players are not rushing to switch everything over. A user shared, "Not all, but a selected few I only buy the games I want to be stuck with." This mirrors another comment, "I’ve been weaning my library off Steam, focusing only on my favorites," showing a selective approach amid financial constraints.
Demand for Titles and Availability
Part of the struggle lies in the games not available on GOG. One user expressed hope for titles like Persona 5 Royal to make it to GOG, stating, "I don’t think Atlus would like to have games without DRM." There’s an ongoing call for more AAA games to be added to GOG’s catalog to meet demand.
The Appeal of Offline Play
Numerous gamers are drawn to GOG for its offline capabilities. As one player noted, "I do the majority of my PC purchases on GOG for this exact reason." Their desire to have a collection that doesn’t rely on constant online access plays a significant role in pursuing GOG.
The Price of True Ownership
While gamers are enthusiastic about the prospect of owning their games outright, many acknowledge the responsibility that comes with it. "Owning them on GOG is preservation, but you have to store the installers, which is a ton of data," shared a concerned player. The discussion points out that with GOG, while users gain true ownership, they must also account for backup management.
"I buy everything on GOG but I’ll wait until the game is available if it isn’t there on release," one user shared, indicating a commitment to thorough preservation, even if it means waiting longer for desired titles.
Key Insights from the Community
🕹️ Many are committed to moving selectively to GOG but are held back by financial limitations.
💰 The unavailability of certain games, primarily AAA titles, leaves players hesitant to commit fully.
🔒 The allure of offline gaming drives interest, while concerns about data management for GOG purchases linger.
As 2025 progresses, the push for digital ownership and preservation will likely keep the conversation alive, challenging the predominance of Steam. Will GOG's stance resonate more with gamers eager for digital autonomy, or will Steam hold its ground?