Yes, GOG is a real, long-running game store. According to Wikipedia it was founded in 2008 as Good Old Games by a CD Projekt subsidiary, is based in Warsaw, and was sold to Michal Kicinski in 2025. Its own pages say it sells DRM-free games and offers a full refund within 30 days of purchase.
Search for "is GOG legit" and you'll find the question is rarely about fraud. People usually want to know whether the store behind the games is stable, what DRM-free means for them and how refunds work. I've read GOG's own pages and its Wikipedia history so you can see where it comes from and what to watch for.
Who is behind GOG and where it came from
According to Wikipedia, GOG was founded in 2008 as Good Old Games, a subsidiary of CD Projekt, and renamed GOG.com in 2012. CD Projekt was founded in 1994 by Marcin Iwinski and Michal Kicinski, and Kicinski is described as one of GOG's original founders. Headquarters is Warsaw, Poland.
Ownership has changed. Wikipedia says GOG sp. z o.o. was a wholly owned CD Projekt subsidiary until 2025, when CD Projekt sold GOG to Kicinski. GOG says it will stay independent and focus more on preservation. On its own site, GOG credits GOG sp. z o.o. as the copyright holder, so there's a named company on the page rather than a faceless storefront.
What GOG sells and what DRM-free means
GOG's About page describes GOG.com as a digital distribution platform, an online store with a curated selection of games, plus an optional gaming client and a community of gamers. Curated means GOG chooses what to list. It isn't an open shop where anyone can post a key.
The big selling point is DRM-free. DRM stands for digital rights management, the locks some games use to control how you play. GOG's About page says "We don't believe in controlling you and your games" and describes its DRM-free selection, adding that you don't need to be online to play single-player games. Wikipedia says GOG delivers DRM-free games for Windows, macOS and Linux.
For you, that means the games you buy aren't tied to a single launcher in the same way. GOG Galaxy, the client Wikipedia says was announced in 2014, is optional and keeps the DRM-free approach. I'd still check each game's store page for what's included, because not every title offers the same extras.
GOG refunds: the 30-day policy
This is where GOG stands out. Its About page advertises a full refund policy within 30 days of purchase with no strings attached. A GOG announcement about its updated refund policy goes further, saying you can get a full refund up to 30 days after purchasing a product, even if you have downloaded, launched and played it.
GOG's help centre says refund requests start from the Order History page of your account settings. Pick the order, ask for the refund, and keep a note of the date. I haven't seen the full policy text, so for edge cases such as gifts, pre-orders or Early Access titles, read the current policy in the help centre before you buy.
| What I checked | What GOG's pages and Wikipedia say |
|---|---|
| Who runs it? | GOG sp. z o.o., based in Warsaw, Poland |
| Who owns it? | Sold by CD Projekt to co-founder Michal Kicinski in 2025 |
| How old is it? | Founded in 2008 as Good Old Games |
| Is it DRM-free? | Yes, GOG describes DRM-free games and offline single-player play |
| Refund window? | 30 days after purchase, even for played games |
| Where do I ask for a refund? | From the Order History page in your account |
The catch with GOG and what to check before you buy
GOG is a legit store, but there are things worth knowing. Its catalogue is curated, so a game you want from another storefront may not be there. Prices, regional availability and what comes with each game vary by title, and I can't quote you any of that without making things up. Always read the store page.
GOG has also made calls that annoyed players. According to Wikipedia, in 2019 it announced it would sell a game called Devotion and reversed the decision within hours after messages from gamers. In 2021 it released and then removed a Hitman edition after backlash, saying it shouldn't have released it in its current form. That's not a safety problem, but it shows a store that reacts quickly to its community, for better or worse.
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Fake GOG sites and key scams
A name this well known gets copied. Fake sites and social posts offer cut-price games or free keys and ask for your login or card. Here's how to avoid them:
- Type the store address yourself rather than tapping a link in a message, ad or comment.
- Never share your GOG password or login codes with anyone claiming to be support.
- Be wary of offers of free games for a login if you enter your account details.
- Buy through the official checkout and keep your receipt or order number.
- Ask for refunds only through your account's Order History, not through a stranger who contacts you first.
If you're comparing where to buy, my guide to spotting a fake product review helps when store-front ratings look suspiciously glowing, and the questions I ask in my write-up on whether Back Market is legit (warranty, returns, who sells) apply to any online shop.
Where I land on GOG
It's a real, established store with a named company, a long history and a clear refund promise, so it isn't a scam. The honest caveats are that ownership has changed, the catalogue is curated and some details, like each game's extras, vary by title. Use the 30-day window, buy only through the official site and double-check the store page before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Is GOG a real company?
Yes. GOG's site credits GOG sp. z o.o. as the copyright holder, and Wikipedia says it was founded in 2008 as Good Old Games and is based in Warsaw, Poland.
Who owns GOG?
According to Wikipedia, GOG was a wholly owned CD Projekt subsidiary until 2025, when CD Projekt sold it to Michal Kicinski, one of its original founders.
What does DRM-free mean on GOG?
GOG's About page says it doesn't believe in controlling you and your games, and that you don't need to be online to play single-player games. Wikipedia says its games come without digital rights management.
Does GOG offer refunds?
GOG says you can get a full refund up to 30 days after purchase, even if you have downloaded, launched and played the product. Requests start from the Order History page in your account.
Do I need GOG Galaxy to play?
According to Wikipedia, GOG Galaxy is an optional client that keeps the DRM-free approach. Check each game's store page for what's included.
