As part of its game preservation program, GOG has recorded Heroes of Might and Magic III: Complete on 5D optical crystal created by SPhotonix. This medium is considered the most durable in the world: it can withstand extreme temperatures, radiation and mechanical damage, and the data storage life is estimated to be billions of years.
5D recording technology uses femtosecond lasers to create nanostructures inside quartz glass. Data is stored in five dimensions: three spatial coordinates, size and orientation of the structures, which provides high recording density - up to hundreds of terabytes per disc. Such crystals have already been considered as a way to archive information for scientific missions in space and long-term cultural projects.
GOG emphasizes that the goal of the initiative goes beyond technological demonstration.
"True preservation isn’t just about durability – it’s about care, accessibility, and keeping games alive," the company said.
This month, Heroes of Might and Magic II: Gold Edition, Heroes Chronicles (all parts), Time Commando, the D&D Krynn series, and Rise of the Triad have also been added to the preservation program.