Star Ocean Series Arrives DRM-Free on GOG, Linux Support for GOG Galaxy in the Works

by : Shigeru Miyamoto

Good Old Games (GOG) has recently expanded its catalog with two popular entries from the science fantasy role-playing game franchise, Star Ocean. Gamers can now acquire "Star Ocean The Divine Force" and "Star Ocean The Second Story R" without digital rights management restrictions, a significant benefit for those who prefer full ownership of their purchased titles. This release underscores GOG's commitment to offering player-friendly versions of contemporary games, following their long-standing tradition of preserving classic titles.

While these Star Ocean installments have been available on platforms like Steam for some time, their arrival on GOG provides an alternative for players who value the DRM-free model. Interestingly, the oldest game in the series available on PC, "Star Ocean – The Last Hope – 4K and Full HD Remaster," has not yet joined its counterparts on the platform. Despite this, GOG assures that the newly added titles are part of their Preservation Program, meaning they are optimized to run seamlessly on modern operating systems and support current controllers, ensuring a smooth experience for contemporary players.

In a related development, GOG has announced plans to extend support for its Galaxy launcher to Linux users. This initiative addresses a long-standing request from the gaming community, especially given the recent surge in Linux's popularity among Steam users. Although a precise timeline or detailed roadmap for GOG Galaxy on Linux is not yet available, the company has confirmed that a specialist is dedicated to this significant undertaking. This commitment highlights GOG's responsiveness to its community and its dedication to expanding accessibility across different operating systems, reflecting a broader trend towards inclusive gaming environments.

The addition of these Star Ocean titles to GOG's DRM-free collection, coupled with the ongoing efforts to bring the Galaxy launcher to Linux, marks a positive stride for the platform. This strategic move not only enriches the library for RPG enthusiasts but also demonstrates GOG's dedication to game preservation and enhancing the gaming experience for a diverse audience, including the burgeoning Linux gaming community.