Blizzard has DRM-free Warcraft removed from GOG

In a move that has raised eyebrows among classic gaming enthusiasts, GOG is delisting Warcraft 1 and 2 from its store at Blizzard's request. This comes just weeks after the games were added to GOG's preservation program and, perhaps not coincidentally, shortly after Blizzard released remastered versions of both titles over at Battle.net.

GOG announced that the classic RTS games will be removed from sale on December 13th. While existing owners can still expect the game to work, the delisting has sparked debate about the balance between game preservation and commercial interests.

The timing of the removal is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with the release of Blizzard's remastered versions of Warcraft 1 and 2 on Battle.net. While the original versions are still available on Blizzard's platform, the delisting from GOG limits consumer choice and access to these classic titles.

After sharing the news, GOG offered a small consolation to fans who have yet to purchase the games. It provides a discount code (“MakeWarcraftLiveForever”) for £1.50/$2 off the bundle containing both Warcraft 1 and 2.

Interestingly, Warcraft 1 and 2 were recently included in GOG's newly launched Preservation Program, which aims to ensure the long-term compatibility and accessibility of classic games. As such, even if these titles are soon delisted, those who've bought them will still be able to play them.

KitGuru says: While GOG's dedication to preservation is commendable, the delisting of Warcraft 1 and 2 raises questions about the challenges of preserving classic games. Is this a sign of things to come, where publishers prioritise the remasters and re-releases over the availability of original versions? 

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