In today’s digital age, gaming aficionados are always on the hunt for the best hidden gems in the PC gaming market. With numerous platforms available offering a variety of games, it can be challenging to choose between them. Two of the most popular choices are GOG.com and itch.io. In this article, we’ll compare both platforms to determine which offers the best selection of hidden gems.

GOG.com:

GOG.com, or “Good Old Games,” is an online store owned by CD Projekt, the same company responsible for The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077. Established in 2008, GOG.com has built a reputation for providing high-quality DRM-free games. Their expansive library contains over 2,000 games, ranging from classic titles to indie games.

Pros:

1. DRM-Free: GOG.com ensures that all games purchased are DRM-free, allowing gamers to play their favorite hidden gems without worrying about restrictive copy protection.

2. Curated Library: The store maintains a highly curated library of titles, ensuring that each game is of quality and worth a playthrough.

3. Frequent Sales: GOG.com offers regular sales, giving gamers a chance to grab limited-time discounts on their favorite hidden gems.

Cons:

1. Limited Selection: Despite boasting an extensive library, GOG.com’s focus on curating games means there may be fewer indie titles compared to other platforms.

itch.io:

itch.io is an open marketplace for independent game developers, creators and artists. It was launched in 2013 and has since become a platform where users can find niche and experimental creations alongside more mainstream indie titles.

Pros:

1. Expansive Selection: itch.io boasts over 200,000 projects and games uploaded by individual developers or small teams.

2. Supporting Indie Developers: itch.io provides a platform for independent developers to showcase their work and find their audience.

3. Pay-What-You-Want Pricing: Many games or projects on itch.io are available with flexible pricing, allowing users to pay what they feel is fair for a hidden gem.

Cons:

1. Less Curated: Given its open nature, itch.io’s library is not as curated as GOG.com, which means the quality of games can vary greatly.

Conclusion:

Both GOG.com and itch.io have their own unique offerings when it comes to discovering hidden gems. While GOG.com’s curated library ensures high-quality games and DRM-free content, itch.io’s extensive selection and support for indie developers make it an excellent platform for experimental titles and undiscovered treasures.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preferences as a gamer. If you value quality over quantity and want to avoid DRM restrictions, GOG.com might be your go-to choice. However, if you want to explore a vast array of indie titles and support independent developers, itch.io is the perfect platform for you.