Is Blizzard against gaming preservation?
In a move that has stirred the gaming community, Blizzard Entertainment has decided to delist the classic strategy games “Warcraft: Orcs & Humans” and “Warcraft II” from GOG’s digital store. This decision, set to take effect on December 13th, 2024, follows Blizzard’s release of remastered versions of these titles.
GOG.com, known for its commitment to DRM-free gaming and game preservation, announced the upcoming delisting through various channels, including their official forums and social media. The decision was made at Blizzard’s request, indicating a strategic shift towards promoting the newly released remastered versions of these games on their own platform, Battle.net.
Reasons Behind the Delisting
- Promotion of Remastered Versions: Blizzard’s primary motive appears to be to funnel players towards the remastered editions of Warcraft 1 and 2, which offer updated graphics, enhanced gameplay, and modern compatibility. The move aligns with industry trends where original versions are sidelined to highlight remakes or remasters.
- Intellectual Property Control: As with many companies, Blizzard might be aiming to have more control over how and where their intellectual property is distributed, ensuring that sales and player data are centralized on their platform.
- Economic Strategy: The delisting could also be seen as a strategy to boost sales of the remastered games, which are priced significantly higher than the original versions on GOG.


The gaming community’s response has been mixed:
- Disappointment: Many fans expressed frustration over the potential loss of availability for these classics on GOG, lamenting the removal of DRM-free options which GOG is renowned for providing.
- Support for Preservation: There’s been a silver lining with GOG’s promise to continue supporting these games through their Preservation Program. This move has been praised for ensuring that those who own the games can still enjoy them with future compatibility updates.
- Criticism of Blizzard: On platforms like X, users have criticized Blizzard for this consumer-unfriendly move, highlighting the ongoing debate between game preservation and commercial interests.
GOG’s Preservation Commitment
GOG has taken steps to reassure the community:
- Ongoing Support: Even after delisting, GOG pledges to maintain these games, ensuring they remain playable on modern systems. This includes technical support and compatibility updates, which are crucial for aging titles.
- Discount Code: In a goodwill gesture, GOG offered a discount code, “MakeWarcraftLiveForever,” for gamers to purchase the Warcraft I & II Bundle before the delisting date, emphasizing their dedication to keeping these games accessible.

Implications for Game Preservation
This event underscores the ongoing tension between game preservation and the business strategies of major publishers:
- Game Preservation: GOG’s initiative to keep supporting these games post-delisting highlights the importance of preservation in the gaming industry, especially for titles with historical significance like Warcraft.
- Consumer Choice: The situation raises questions about consumer rights and choices, especially when original versions of games become unavailable, pushing players towards remastered or updated versions that might not appeal to everyone.
- Industry Trends: This could set a precedent for how other publishers manage their back catalogs, potentially leading to more games being delisted from third-party platforms in favor of proprietary ones.
Blizzard’s decision to delist Warcraft 1 and 2 from GOG, while focusing on their remastered releases, reflects broader industry trends but also brings to light the challenges of game preservation. As digital distribution evolves, the balance between commercial interests and the cultural heritage of video games remains a topic of significant debate. GOG’s response, particularly their preservation efforts, offers a positive note, ensuring that these seminal games continue to be accessible to those who value them. However, the conversation around how classic games are treated in the digital age is far from over.
For gamers and enthusiasts, the preservation of gaming history continues to be a critical issue, with platforms like GOG playing an essential role in keeping the legacy of video games alive for future generations.