"The next big step": GOG Galaxy is apparently to be ported to Linux

“Linux is the next big step”: GOG is currently looking for a new developer via a job advertisement to bring the GOG Galaxy client to Linux. Currently, the client for the DRM-free game store is only available for Windows and macOS – independent clients are still needed to use GOG on Linux.

This is apparently about to change. GOG is very specific in the job advertisement: “We are looking for a Senior Engineer to help shape the architecture, tooling landscape, and development standards of GOG Galaxy with Linux firmly in mind from the ground up,” it states. The developer's task would be to build and maintain the Linux version of GOG Galaxy, it continues. So far, GOG has not officially announced the apparently planned Linux port of GOG Galaxy. It is unclear when it is expected to be ready. GamingOnLinux first reported on the job advertisement.

There are alternatives

Currently, GOG Galaxy cannot be used directly on Linux systems such as Valve's SteamOS. Instead, other clients that can integrate the GOG library must be installed. These include MiniGalaxy, Lutris, or the Heroic Games Launcher.

GOG is a store for DRM-free games managed through the GOG Galaxy client. While previous tools often came with functional limitations, a Linux port of GOG Galaxy is likely to offer the complete feature set, including achievements, overlay, and store functionality. However, the client is not necessary for installing games: because GOG titles have no copy protection, they can simply be downloaded via a browser and installed on any system.

New (old) GOG owner

GOG recently changed ownership: Michał Kiciński has bought the game platform from the Polish game company CD Projekt for a price of 90.7 million Złoty, which corresponds to approximately 20.5 million Euros. Kiciński co-founded both GOG and CD Projekt. Through the deal, he becomes the sole owner of GOG. However, games from CD Projekt are to remain available on GOG. Future titles are also to be released on GOG.

GOG was founded in 2008 as “Good Old Games” primarily to sell classic video games. Part of this task also involved keeping these games up-to-date and ensuring compatibility with modern systems. In addition to older games, GOG also offers some new releases – primarily titles from CD Projekt. However, some indie studios also release their titles on GOG at launch. In total, GOG's portfolio comprises 11,000 games.

(dahe)