GOG Releases Free Printable Boxes for Five Classic PC Games

GOG has begun distributing free digital files that allow users to print and assemble physical replicas of five iconic 1990s PC games. The initiative, part of the platform's Preservation Program, covers titles such as Myst, Descent, Hitman: Codename 47, Star Trek: 25th Anniversary, and Armikrog. According to GN technics/gaming (en-US), the goal is to treat these physical packages as cultural artifacts worthy of preservation in an era where most software is consumed digitally.

The download package includes a 3D model and flat-printable box templates. Users on Windows or macOS can open the provided GLB file in a 3D viewer to inspect the box from all angles, including an animated demonstration of how the original flaps opened. For those with a printer, the templates can be cut and folded to create a paper replica that mimics the look and feel of the original retail packaging, serving as a shelf ornament or a reminder of the era before digital storefronts dominated the market.

Collaboration with 3D Scanning Archivists

To ensure accuracy, GOG partnered with Big Box Collection, a group that has been 3D-scanning PC game boxes since 2015. This collaboration provided the high-resolution scans necessary to create detailed printable layouts. Big Box Collection argues that the physical act of browsing stores, reading manuals, and handling extras created a sense of anticipation and context that modern digital stores often lack. By preserving these artifacts digitally, the project aims to capture the tangible history of PC gaming for future generations.

Limited Scope and Digital Context

The project is currently restricted to these five specific titles, with no confirmed timeline for adding more games to the list. GOG has long supported physical media through its DRM-free model, which allows players to archive games and burn their own discs. This new printable box initiative extends that philosophy by providing a way to recreate the physical presence of the software, even if the player only owns a digital copy. It offers a compromise for those who miss the physicality of the medium but may not have the space or budget for original collectibles.

Accessibility and Practical Limitations

While the files are free and accessible to anyone, the project relies on users having access to a printer and the materials to assemble the boxes. The 3D viewer functionality is limited to desktop operating systems, meaning mobile users cannot easily rotate or inspect the models in 3D without a compatible app. Furthermore, the quality of the final product depends entirely on the user's printing equipment and paper choice. Despite these technical and material trade-offs, the project stands as a significant step in preserving the visual and tactile history of classic PC gaming, offering a low-cost alternative to hunting for rare physical copies.