What you need to know
- GOG is a PC gaming platform just like Steam.
- With its upcoming "GOG Galaxy 2.0" software, the developer wants to bring everyone together.
- GOG Galaxy 2.0 may feature Xbox Game Pass for PC integration and even chat one day.
GOG is a platform similar to Steam where you can purchase games for PC. However, unlike Steam, it doesn't feature any form of digital rights management (DRM) and you can play games completely offline for as long as you want.
Just like Steam, GOG has a dedicated program that can be downloaded on your PC called "GOG Galaxy." While it's a satisfactory experience, developer CD Projekt wants to make it even better with GOG Galaxy 2.0 in the coming months. GOG Galaxy 2.0 aims to bring friends together and be a central portal for different services.
According to the company, even Microsoft is on board. An article in GameStar quoted CD Projekt head Piotr Karwoski as saying the following.
We showed Phil Spencer our application and he was immediately enthusiastic because this merge of platforms is exactly what Microsoft also wants to promote.
It seems like services like Xbox Game Pass for PC may be accessible through GOG Galaxy 2.0 down the line. However, only time will tell. It also leaves the possibility of cross-platform chat on the table.
The PC gaming ecosystem seems quite fragmented at the moment because GOG, the Microsoft Store, Steam, and the Epic Games Store have their own "hub" software. Hopefully the major players will come together in a meaningful way for a consumer-centric approach.
Cheap PC accessories we love
Take a gander at these awesome PC accessories, all of which will enhance your Windows experience.
Anker 4 port USB 3.0 hub ($10 at Amazon)
Whether on a desktop or laptop PC, you always need more ports to connect things to. This hub gives you an additional four USB 3.0 Type A ports.
Ikea Fixa Cable Management System ($11 at Amazon)
This IKEA cable management kit is your ticket to a clean setup. It's simple and functional.
NZXT Puck ($20 at Amazon)
This clever little accessory has powerful magnets on the rear to make it stick to any of the metal panels on your PC case or anything else. It's great for hanging accessories like headsets.
