GOG Gives Classic PC Big Box Releases New Life While Console Makers Ditch Physical Media
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
While console makers phase out physical media, GOG is updating its Preservation Program to include rotatable 3D scans and printable files for classic PC big box games like Myst.
As major console manufacturers push relentlessly toward an all-digital future, digital storefronts are finding creative ways to honor gaming history. Polygon reports that Sony plans to end physical disc production for new games by 2028, and Microsoft continues leaning into a code-only ecosystem. For players who value tangible ownership and nostalgia, the shift feels like a heavy blow to gaming heritage.
Stepping into that void, GOG is expanding its Preservation Program to immortalize classic PC big box releases. Instead of just saving the game code, the platform is introducing fully rotatable 3D scans of original box art for titles like Myst, Descent, and Hitman: Codename 47. Players can inspect front covers, spines, and backs directly through standard Windows and Mac viewers without needing any extra plugins or software.
For those who want a truly hands-on experience, GOG is taking the initiative a step further through a collaboration with the Big Box Collection project. The platform is providing flat, printable files of the original packaging so players can craft physical boxes at home. It is a clever blend of digital accessibility and tactile nostalgia that gives modern players a tangible connection to PC gaming roots.
Tags: PC Gaming, Game Preservation, Retro Gaming, Digital Ownership
Original article: Polygon