I have an Odin 3, I want to purchase Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal on GOG, but I think Steam versions will run better. What are your thoughts on my little dilemma, and what games will you be getting for running on your devices during these Summer Sales?
Yes it is still a digital storefront, and it does not solve every problem around licensing, delisted games, online only modes, console exclusives, or physical preservation.
But GOG has one major difference from most PC storefronts, its games are generally DRM free.
That means you can:
For most single player games, those installers can be kept and installed later without needing the GOG Galaxy launcher, a constant internet connection, or a check in with an account server.
GOG Galaxy is optional. It is useful for automatic updates, cloud saves, achievements and convenience, but the important preservation step is downloading the offline backup installers yourself.
It is not identical to owning a physical disc, and I would still prefer physical options to continue. But it is currently one of the clearest ways to buy PC games digitally while retaining a usable local copy.
The practical rule is simple:
Do not only leave your purchases in an online library. Download the offline installers and back them up.