GOG Revives PC Game Big Box Nostalgia with Printable Packaging
For those who experienced the nineties gaming scene, a special fondness likely remains for the 'big box' PC games of that era. Back then, purchasing a game involved a trip to a store to acquire an elaborately designed large box. Inside, one would typically find floppy disks or a CD-ROM, a comprehensive manual, and occasionally bonus items like stickers or coasters. This physical experience stood in stark contrast to today's digital-only licenses.
A resurgence of interest in these vintage big box PC games has emerged, partly fueled by Sony's decision to cease physical PlayStation game production. Some innovative individuals have even gained attention for crafting their own physical Steam game cartridges. Now, GOG has introduced its unique approach to this trend: offering printable big box designs derived from historical commercial packaging.
GOG, in partnership with the fan-maintained Big Box Collection, is providing these 3D scans as part of its GOG Preservation Program. This includes newly added titles such as 'Star Trek: 25th Anniversary' and 'Armikrog', alongside existing Preservation Program games like 'Descent', 'Hitman: Codename 47', and 'Myst'. This initiative allows enthusiasts to print, fold, and assemble their own nostalgic game boxes at home, reigniting the joy of a physical collection.
This innovative concept appeals to those who long to showcase their game libraries on shelves. As the limitations of digital ownership become more apparent and streaming platforms increasingly prioritize profit, a growing number of consumers are gravitating back towards physical media. The significant increase in CD sales from 2025 to 2026, despite the format being widely considered obsolete, underscores this shift. While GOG does not sell physical discs, its DRM-free platform uniquely positions it to support this movement, enabling users to burn game files onto CDs or DVDs for personal archiving and display, blending modern accessibility with classic appeal.
