Always ones to have their eye on new niches, GOG – as soon as targeted on the preservation and distribution of outdated DOS games – have simply introduced that their Galaxy launcher is getting an overhaul. Galaxy 2.0, as they’re calling it, claims to maintain monitor of your complete games library whether or not it’s on Steam, Epic, GOG and even consoles, and act as a common launcher for PC games. An bold new characteristic, and if it really works it may very well be a helpful piece of software program to have round. Sadly, we’ll be ready some time longer, as GOG have solely simply began taking beta testing sign-ups for the brand new model here.
As work requires me to maintain up with no matter’s new in games, I’ve now discovered myself juggling over 13 totally different launchers for PC stuff, and that’s not counting MMOs . In all seriousness, a common launcher (even when it does require me to open or often shut one other app) would in all probability be useful for organisation. This isn’t the primary common launcher app on the market – Playnite even appears much like the GOG Galaxy 2.Zero interface – however the truth that an present piece of software program I’m utilizing is providing it as an additional characteristic may be sufficient to persuade me to make use of it.
Where it’ll all hinge is its compatibility. If there’s any of the key shops that Galaxy 2.Zero can’t import knowledge from, or launch games from, that’ll virtually actually torpedo it. There’s additionally the problem of buddies lists, cross-launcher achievement monitoring and all that jazz. There’s so many methods in play as of late that I’m sceptical that one piece of software program may make all of it behave in near-seamless trend, however I’m completely satisfied to be confirmed improper. While GOG declare to be negotiating for official integration, at launch they’ll supply open-source “community created integrations”.
GOG are eager to emphasize that there’s no spying happening with Galaxy 2.0. Or not less than, none that you simply don’t particularly authorise. While gathered knowledge about your library might be saved on GOG’s servers, slightly than one PC, they promise that there’ll be no knowledge shared with third events, and also you’ll be capable to delete all of it from their finish should you so want. It’s primary knowledge safety 101 stuff, and it appears unlikely that Galaxy 2.Zero will ask on your login particulars on different shops, however it’s good that they put it up entrance. Likely as to nip any rumours within the bud early.
Sign-ups for the GOG Galaxy 2.Zero beta are here, together with extra data on the launcher. There’s no particular date deliberate for the beta or any ultimate launch. All of this might be free.
