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Confusion surrounds GOG's rejection of Opus Magnum

Popular puzzle game from Zachtronics rejected by digital store but developer unable to share details

An acclaimed indie title has failed to secure a place on widely-used games marketplace GOG.com, and the lack of explanation has caused much confusion.

The game in question is Opus Magnum, a puzzle game from Zachtronics that tasks players with creating contraptions that move coloured beads from one end to another - a concept without controversy.

It was warmly received by critics last year, and GIFs of players' puzzle solutions have spread virally across social media since its initial release.

Nevertheless, GOG.com has opted not to add it to its online store, merely stating that it did not pass its curation process - although there are no details on what this process involves.

Studio founder Zach Brath, via his firm's official Twitter feed, responded to requests for an explanation, stating that the below was all GOG was happy with him sharing publicly.

"Opus Magnum did not pass our internal curation system," the retailer wrote. "We rarely ever want to share any details on the actual system and how it looks and what it means because it's just too individual. We take into consideration many other factors than just the actual game itself."

It's likely Brath has been given more specific reasons for Opus Magnum's rejections, but is unable to share this. The developer seems to be comfortable enough with GOG's decision, even holding out hope for the possibility of a future release.

"We would still like to be on GOG if they change their mind," Brath tweeted.

Polygon suggests Zachtronics was not surprised by the outcome, with Brath tweeting a month ago that GOG may decline to sell Opus Magnum "because it looks too much like a mobile game", asking followers where they would rather purchase it.

GOG prides itself on being a strictly curated marketplace with only high quality games available - a stark contrast to its main rival and market leader Steam - but it's still an odd turn of events given it already sells five of Zachtronics' titles. Some of these titles are also puzzle games.

GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to GOG.com for clarification.

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James Batchelor

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James Batchelor is Editor-in-Chief at GamesIndustry.biz. He has been a B2B journalist since 2006, and an author since he knew what one was

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