GOG wants to bring back physical PC games, just like in the good old days—but the logistics are ‘very complicated’
GOG is exploring the possibility of bringing back physical PC game editions, giving customers the option to order a disc alongside the digital copy. The idea matters to players who value collecting games and keeping a copy they can store, while digital distribution has made PC discs uncommon.
GOG senior business manager Marcin Paczynski called the idea his “dream”, but said building the service would be “very, very complicated”. The company would need to arrange storage and delivery, as well as licensing and publisher approvals; GOG has not announced a launch or timetable. The article also cites Sony first-party games, for which physical copies account for 30 per cent of sales, as evidence that demand remains.
In short
- GOG hopes to offer physical PC game editions.
- The service would include a digital copy and a disc.
- Storage, logistics and publisher approvals are major hurdles.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Offering physical editions would give players a tangible way to collect games and preserve a copy they can keep, reflecting values that digital libraries may not fully serve. The cited share of physical sales for Sony first-party games suggests that some customers still choose boxed copies, so an optional disc alongside a digital edition could meet real demand.
The case against
Bringing back PC discs would require GOG to organise storage and delivery and secure licensing and publisher approvals, making the service complex before demand is established for its own audience. With digital distribution now common, the costs and effort could outweigh the benefits if too few customers want physical copies.