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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →GOG’s Preservation Program is a maintenance commitment for selected games, not a replacement for the store’s DRM-free policy or a promise that every game in its catalogue is covered. For titles carrying the label, GOG says it tests compatibility and commits resources to keeping them working on modern and future systems. The program is currently Windows-only, according to GOG’s FAQ.
What the Preservation Program does
GOG launched the program in November 2024 with 100 games. It says a program label means it commits its own resources to maintaining that game’s compatibility, conducts quality testing, and may apply custom compatibility fixes or quality-of-life improvements. The aim is to make selected games easier to run on current systems and maintain them as systems change; it is not a guarantee for every device or future configuration.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
![$20 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41XOVFRcBIL._SL160_.jpg)
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$20 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code] | $20.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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GameStop Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Fortnite eGift Card | $15.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Fortnite eGift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Fortnite eGift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
See GOG’s live Preservation Program page for current membership and title-specific notes. Its list can change, so examples or counts should not be treated as permanent.
Is GOG abandoning new games for classics?
No. The program is a label for games that need maintenance and that GOG can commit to maintaining. GOG’s November 2024 launch announcement says its broader store still seeks DRM-free games regardless of release date. A classic-focused preservation effort therefore does not mean the storefront has stopped carrying newer releases.
#1 Best Overall
- This item can be redeemed on eShop only. This item cannot be redeemed on the Wii Shop
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch, Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Nintendo eShop Digital Cards are redeemable only through the Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Digital Card balances can be shared across Nintendo Switch, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family of systems, but may only be used on a single Nintendo eShop account.
Not seeing the label does not necessarily mean a game has failed testing or is unsupported: GOG says some titles remain unconfirmed or in a backlog. The label identifies a specific maintenance commitment, rather than ranking every game on the store.
Are Preservation Program games DRM-free?
The program is distinct from GOG’s DRM-free store policy, which GOG says remains unchanged. In its launch announcement, GOG’s Arthur Dejardin wrote: “When you buy a DRM-free game on GOG, you can download and safeguard its offline installer any way you want.” This describes GOG’s stated download policy; it is not a claim about legal ownership.
Rank #2
- Redeemable at US GameStop, EB Games, Babbage's, Electronic Boutique, EBX, Planet X, and Software Etc. stores. Also redeemable online at and GameStop.com and EBGames.com.
- Over 6,100 stores located throughout the United States.
- GameStop. Power to the Players.
- Redemption: Instore and Online
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
Offline installers let buyers keep a copy and reinstall without relying on the store client for the installation itself. The exact installers, manuals, DLC, and bonus material available depend on the specific game and edition, so check that title’s product page.
Does the program make old games work on Windows 11, Mac, or Linux?
GOG describes the program as currently Windows-only. That does not establish support for macOS or Linux under the program, nor does the label mean every game works on every Windows computer. Check the individual game’s supported operating systems and any documented improvements before buying or installing.
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Rank #3
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
GOG also notes that operating-system updates and graphics-card drivers can affect compatibility. Its stated commitment is maintenance, not a universal guarantee that a game will keep working on every future configuration. If a labeled game develops a compatibility problem, GOG asks users to report it to support.
How to assess a game before you buy
- Check the program listing. Confirm whether the title currently appears on GOG’s live Preservation Program page; membership can change.
- Read the game’s system details. Verify its supported operating system rather than assuming the program label covers your platform.
- Review the title-specific notes. Look for documented compatibility updates or custom improvements relevant to your setup.
- Check availability and included files. Confirm whether it is still for sale and what offline installers, manuals, DLC, or bonus material are included in the edition.
An unlabelled game may simply be awaiting confirmation or maintenance, and it may still be playable. Conversely, the label is useful evidence of GOG’s stated testing and commitment, not an independent guarantee of performance on your particular hardware.
Rank #4
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
What if a program game is delisted?
GOG says it will continue compatibility maintenance for a game in the program even if it is no longer available for sale. That commitment does not make a delisted game newly purchasable. Buyers who already have access should check their account and available downloads for that title.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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