GOG wants to bring back physical games, but it's 'a very, very complicated thing'

GOG, a popular digital game distribution platform, is considering the possibility of offering physical copies of its games. Senior business development and partnerships manager Marcin Paczynski spoke to Gamesradar, expressing his desire for users to be able to purchase physical versions of games on the platform. The dream would involve a virtual shelf where players could select a game they wish to receive physically, have it ordered, and shipped to them.

This idea would be appealing to PC gaming enthusiasts, especially to those who value preserving older games which are often at risk of preservation issues. Physical copies also have added benefits like making games easier to showcase, keep safe in case of hard drive failures, and placing them at fine dining establishments. However, the challenge lies in the fact that physical distribution is a completely separate operation from running a digital storefront.

There are logistical and storage considerations that need to be addressed. Despite acknowledging the complexity of the task, Paczynski maintains that the idea has been a topic of discussion within the company for years, and he isn't dismissing the possibility entirely. For those unwilling to wait, alternatives like the Big Box Collection, where players can print their own game reproductions, or purchasing pre-owned copies, complete with character scratches and stickers, are available.