GOG executives aren’t holding back when it comes to Windows. Michał Kiciński, owner of the popular PC gaming storefront, recently dropped a bombshell during an interview with PC Gamer, calling Microsoft’s operating system “very bad quality software” and questioning how it’s maintained such market dominance despite its notorious issues.
Meanwhile, GOG’s General Manager Maciej Gołębiewski doubled down on the platform’s commitment to Linux, signaling a strategic shift that could reshape PC gaming as we know it.
Windows 11’s gaming nightmare
Since its launch, Windows 11 has become a lightning rod for criticism from the gaming community. Players constantly complain about performance issues, botched updates, and compatibility nightmares that turn gaming sessions into troubleshooting marathons.
Microsoft’s aggressive push to integrate Copilot and force-feed users AI features hasn’t helped either. The design philosophy prioritizing aesthetics over functionality has left many scratching their heads, especially when dealing with the clunky Microsoft Store and gaming apps that feel like afterthoughts.
Kiciński didn’t mince words when sharing his frustration:
“It’s very bad quality software and product, and I’m very surprised that it’s been on the market for so many years. I can’t believe it. Sometimes I have to fix my mother’s or father’s computer with Windows, and it’s unbelievable… so I’m not surprised that people are moving away from the Windows ecosystem. It’s not the best ecosystem“.
His candid take resonates with countless gamers who’ve dealt with Windows headaches for years. This criticism from a major industry figure validates what the community has been saying forever, Windows dominates through inertia, not excellence.
Linux’s gaming revolution brewing
Here’s where it gets interesting. A late 2025 Steam survey shows Windows still crushing it with 94.2% market share, while Linux and macOS sit at 3.5% and 2.2% respectively.
But those numbers don’t tell the whole story. Linux-based systems are gaining serious traction thanks to their lightweight design, customization options, and superior efficiency. Gołębiewski confirmed GOG is doubling down on Linux support this year, calling it something they’ll be examining “more closely.”
“I don’t want to commit to any details, but you’ll certainly see this trend, and we also see that Linux is close to the hearts of our users, so we could probably do better on that front, and that’s something we’ll be looking at“, he stated.
The competitive landscape is heating up too. Microsoft is betting big on Windows for next-gen gaming, making substantial improvements to compete in the handheld market against SteamOS.
Rumors suggest Xbox Magnus will blend the best of Xbox and Windows 11 ecosystems. Meanwhile, Valve keeps pushing SteamOS forward with the upcoming Steam Machine release. GOG’s Linux push couldn’t come at a better time, gamers are hungry for alternatives, and the open-source ecosystem is finally mature enough to deliver.
The battle for PC gaming’s soul is just getting started, and for once, Windows might actually have real competition.
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