GOG CEO: "Please do not panic" about apparent closure

Download service Good Old Games (GoG.com) has unexpectedly suspended its service, but promises to return in a different form soon.

The site, which specialises in DRM-free retro PC games, is run by Polish developer/publisher CD Projekt RED.

Little explanation of the circumstances behind the service's apparent demise have been given. The holding page text reads:

"We have recently had to give serious thought to whether we could really keep GOG.com the way it is. We've debated on it for quite some time and, unfortunately, we've decided that GOG.com simply cannot remain in its current form.

"We're very grateful for all support we've received from all of you in the past two years. Working on GOG.com was a great adventure for all of us and an unforgettable journey to the past, through the long and wonderful history of PC gaming.

"This doesn't mean the idea behind GOG.com is gone forever. We're closing down the service and putting this era behind us as new challenges await."

Furthermore, inquiries for more information have been met with "As the message on the site says, this doesn't mean GOG is gone. We'll have more to share in the coming days."

Meanwhile, the service's Twitter feed this morning promised a statement from management "soon."

The suddenness, language and vague tone used have led many to suggest all is not as it appears – fuelling speculation of variously a buyout, a relaunch or even a marketing stunt.

Meanwhile, CD Projekt joint CEO Michael Kicinsk apparently appeared on Polish finance site Bankier.pl on Friday, and amidst various company discussion made reference to an upcoming online conference regarding GoG.com.

Affirming that conference would still go ahead, he then wrote: "Information about this soon on GOG.com (please do not panic after reading the information contained there:)."

In any event, existing GoG customers have been unable to access their purchased titles over the weekend.