Just had the following email from GOG about account migration for CD Projekt Red games, not quite sure what to make of it. Don't CDPR own GOG? Why do they need to be separated? What does this mean for the long term future of the services?
MIGRATION OF CD PROJEKT RED ONLINE SERVICES
Dear [user],
You are receiving this email due to your use of online features, including Cross Progression and My Rewards, in CD PROJEKT RED games, as well as your participation in platforms like the CD PROJEKT RED Forums. We are migrating these products to a new account system, owned and operated by CD PROJEKT S.A., effective from March 5th, 2024. This consolidation will involve the transfer of governance of your personal data, including your email address and username, from the GOG account system to the CD PROJEKT RED account system.
What does this change?
Starting March 5th, 2024, the above mentioned online features and services will be available through a new CD PROJEKT RED account system.
Do I need to take any action?
No, a new CD PROJEKT RED account will be created for you automatically based on your GOG Account information: user ID, username and email address. This will allow you to continue using features provided by CD PROJEKT RED with no interruption. No action is required on your end.
How can I log in after the migration?
Your new account will use the same email address as your GOG Account. If you’re already logged into any of our games, you will stay logged in when the account change takes place.
What happens to my personal data?
Upon migration, CD PROJEKT S.A. will become a data controller of your personal data connected with CD PROJEKT RED account. Transfer of data will be based on a legitimate interest in ensuring continuity of CD PROJEKT RED online services. For more information see updated CD PROJEKT S.A. Privacy Policy available here.
How does this affect my current GOG account?
Your GOG account and all your GOG purchases remain unaffected. The GOG.com website and the GOG Galaxy app will continue to use the GOG account system. Your GOG account will be separate from your CD PROJEKT RED account.
Can I opt out?
If you do not wish to have a CD PROJEKT RED account created for you, you may opt out of the account creation process by clicking this link. After the account system migration, you will be able to delete your account with the same link.
If you choose to opt out, please note that on March 5th, 2024 you will lose access to Cross Progression, My Rewards, and RED Forums, and all connected data will be permanently deleted.
You can create a new CD PROJEKT RED account at any time.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please visit our support page.
Warm Regards,
GOG and CD PROJEKT RED Teams
The email I read was talking about cross progression and stuff, which goes outside of GOG. It probably makes more sense for a PS5 or Xbox player to create a CDP account than a GOG account in that context, although it's all still technically the same account anyway.
GOG and CDPR have always been different branches anyway. This just looks to be making the separation that's always existed a bit clearer.
The text above mentions Cross Progression.
They have and they haven't. CDPR used GOG's infrastructure, and CDPR own GOG, so this makes sense. You don't buy Valve games from the Valve store, you buy them from Steam.
Technically, I think GOG was originally started and owned by CDPR, then became GOG Ltd, and now it's GOG sp. z o.o. However, I think it's reasonable to be frustrated that the corporate restructuring (which is almost surely for their financial benefit) is affecting customers. I bought my games from GOG, because I like GOG, and I liked CDPR for making GOG and holding the same ideals.
According to Wikipedia, GOG sp. z o.o. is still a subsidiary of CD PROJEKT S.A.
What this seems to me is that CDPR no longer wish to sell their games on GOG, perhaps because GOG is staunchly DRM free. Does this mean CDPR are going to include DRM in future games? Or are they merely trying to expand the selection of titles they can sell on their storefront(s) to include those which refuse to be DRM free? Does this mean GOG is going to fall to the wayside, as they will no longer push for DRM free versions of major titles, instead referring them to the CDPR store?
I have DRM free versions of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous and Baldur's Gate 3. It would be sad if future games weren't available in this way.