GOG.com has announced the delisting of its bespoke version of “The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall,” known as the “Daggerfall GOG Cut,” effective February 12, 2025, at 2 PM GMT. This decision comes as the company acknowledges that the current iteration is outdated and no longer provides the seamless modded experience it initially aimed to offer.
The “Daggerfall GOG Cut,” released in 2022, was GOG’s attempt to modernize the classic 1996 RPG by bundling it with various mods to enhance gameplay and graphics. However, over time, the package became outdated, with included mods not reflecting their latest versions and some not integrating well with each other. This led to criticism from the gaming community, which often recommended alternatives like “Daggerfall Unity” for a more authentic and updated experience.
In a statement on the GOG forums, company representative King_kunat explained the rationale behind the delisting:
At this time, the pack is outdated and no longer fulfills its purpose of providing a hassle-free modded experience to the game.
GOG has assured users that those who have already added the “Daggerfall GOG Cut” to their library or do so before the delisting deadline, will retain access to the game. Looking ahead, the company is exploring solutions to better publish and maintain similar projects in the future, aiming to provide a more streamlined and up-to-date gaming experience for its users.
This move aligns with GOG’s broader commitment to game preservation. In November 2024, the company launched the GOG Preservation Program, an initiative dedicated to ensuring the continued availability and compatibility of classic video games on modern systems. The program debuted with over 100 titles, formalizing GOG’s ongoing efforts to restore and update classic games.
The delisting of the “Daggerfall GOG Cut” underscores the challenges associated with maintaining modded versions of classic games. As the gaming community continues to develop and update mods, official releases can quickly become outdated, necessitating ongoing maintenance and updates from distributors like GOG.
For fans of “The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall,” alternatives such as “Daggerfall Unity” offer a more current and cohesive modded experience. This community-driven project has been lauded for its active development and comprehensive enhancements, making it a preferred choice for many players seeking to revisit the classic title.
In conclusion, while the delisting of the “Daggerfall GOG Cut” may disappoint some, it reflects GOG’s dedication to providing quality gaming experiences. The company’s ongoing efforts to improve the publication and maintenance of modded projects, coupled with its commitment to game preservation, suggest a promising future for fans of classic games.