Top GOG.com Alternatives: Expand Your DRM-Free Gaming Library
GOG.com (Good Old Games) has carved a significant niche in the PC gaming world by offering classic titles updated to run on modern systems, all without the shackles of DRM (Digital Rights Management). This commitment to DRM-free gaming and preserving retro gems makes GOG.com a beloved platform for many. However, the digital landscape is vast, and various platforms offer unique advantages, different game selections, or even similar DRM-free principles. If you're looking to explore beyond GOG.com or find a complementary service for your gaming needs, this guide to the best GOG.com alternative options is for you.
Best GOG.com Alternatives
Whether you're after massive game libraries, indie gems, charitable bundles, or simply different pricing models, these alternatives to GOG.com offer compelling reasons to check them out. Dive in to discover your next favorite gaming destination!
Steam
Steam is a digital distribution giant, developed by Valve Corporation, offering an immense library of games. While primarily known for its DRM, it's an excellent GOG.com alternative if you prioritize sheer volume of titles, frequent sales, and robust community features. It's available on Freemium, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, and iPad. Key features include a game launcher, controller support, free-to-play options, Proton support for Linux, regular updates, achievements, auto-update, a community-based system, game controller keymapping, integrated chat, and extensive VR support with SteamVR.
Humble Bundle
Humble Bundle offers a unique approach to game distribution, allowing you to buy bundles of games, decide the price, and support charity in the process. Many of their games are DRM-free, making it a fantastic GOG.com alternative for those who value ownership and philanthropy. It operates on a Commercial model across Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and Android Tablet. Its standout features are DRM-free games, loot subscriptions, and an extensive games library.
itch.io
itch.io is an online game marketplace and community, renowned for its focus on indie games. It's a superb GOG.com alternative for discovering unique, experimental, and often DRM-free titles directly from developers. Available as Free and Open Source software on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and Android Tablet, it boasts features like DRM-free content, an Electron-based app for managing downloads, gaming, and an open revenue-sharing model that empowers creators.
Epic Games Store
The Epic Games Store has rapidly grown into a major player, known for its curated selection of games and frequent giveaways of free titles. While it utilizes DRM, its commitment to offering free games and giving developers a better revenue share makes it a strong contender as a GOG.com alternative, especially for new releases. It's available for Free on Mac, Windows, and Web, with key features including gaming, free games, and a dedicated game launcher.
Desura
Desura is a digital distribution service that aims to put a wide range of games, mods, and downloadable content at your fingertips. It focuses on offering a good selection of DRM-free titles, aligning well with GOG.com's philosophy. Available for Free on Windows and Linux, Desura's features include DRM-free gaming and a social network aspect for gamers.
Indiegala
Similar to Humble Bundle, Indiegala allows you to buy bundles of games, decide the price, and contribute to charity. Its emphasis on providing DRM-free games makes it a direct competitor and a viable GOG.com alternative for those seeking value and flexibility. It operates as a Commercial web-based platform, primarily featuring DRM-free content.
Green Man Gaming
Green Man Gaming is a global, multiplatform online videogame store known for its extensive catalogue and frequent deals. While it primarily sells keys for other platforms (often with DRM), its competitive pricing and integrated community platform make it a solid GOG.com alternative for finding discounted games. It is a Commercial web-based platform focused on gaming and features Twitch integration.
G2A
G2A is an online marketplace for video game keys, similar to eBay. While it doesn't directly sell games like GOG.com, it allows users to buy and sell game keys for various platforms (Steam, uPlay, Origin, Xbox, PlayStation). If you're looking for competitive pricing, G2A can serve as an indirect GOG.com alternative, though it's important to be aware of the nature of marketplace transactions. It's a Free web-based platform.
GamersGate
GamersGate is a leading digital distribution platform for PC and Mac games, focusing on providing easily accessible gaming experiences. While it doesn't exclusively offer DRM-free titles, its broad selection and instant download capabilities make it a strong GOG.com alternative for expanding your digital game collection. It's a Commercial web-based platform primarily focused on gaming.
Each of these GOG.com alternatives brings something unique to the table, whether it's a focus on indie games, charitable bundles, or simply a vast library of titles. Explore their offerings to find the platform that best aligns with your gaming preferences, budget, and desire for either DRM-free content or access to the latest blockbusters.