Head of GOG Comments on the Possibility of Preserving Multiplayer Games After Server Shutdowns Like Anthem

The Polish digital store GOG, which specializes in preserving and re-releasing classic games, has commented on the issue of multiplayer titles “dying” after their servers are shut down. The discussion was prompted by the recent shutdown of the servers for Anthem, which rendered the game completely inaccessible.

In an interview with Eurogamer, GOG managing director Maciej Gołębiewski stated that preserving and “reviving” online games remains one of the most difficult challenges facing the industry:

According to him, bringing back multiplayer projects is particularly problematic, but the topic is increasingly being discussed not only by players, but also by publishers and regulators.

The debate is largely fueled by initiatives like Stop Killing Games and its European counterpart Stop Destroying Games, which call on authorities and companies to establish rules that prevent live-service games from disappearing entirely. A major catalyst for the movement was the shutdown of The Crew’s servers.

Gołębiewski stresses that the industry must define what a “fair life cycle” for a game should look like:

At the same time, he warns that excessive regulation could have unintended consequences:

In conclusion, the head of GOG acknowledged that there is currently no universal solution, but considers the very fact that the issue is being discussed to be important. Anthem, as a fully online-only project, represents a particularly difficult case. In theory, user-run servers could be a solution — it is known that private servers for the game existed during the late stages of development. However, this would require Electronic Arts to hand over the code, which seems unlikely.

GOG, meanwhile, remains focused on game preservation and DRM-free distribution. The company recently formally separated from CD Projekt, which it says will allow it to concentrate on its own initiatives, including a possible move into indie game publishing. Following the acquisition, the new leadership has already spoken about competition with Steam and reflected on the necessity of DRM and anti-piracy measures in games.