Good Old Games, the digital download service for classic PC games has finally reached open beta stage and is ready for business according to the latest announcement.

The Good Old Games service is similar to Valve's Steam platform in many regards in that it allows users to download and play old PC games on modern systems for a fraction of the usual prices. The service, which is backed by Polish developer CD Projekt, has won the adoration of many fans too for being completely free of DRM. Once you buy a game from Good Old Games, you own it forever and it's yours to take responsibility for.

Plus, all games fit into one of two price bands: $5.99 or $9.99!

Even better, Good Old Games has added yet more publishers to the cause and bulked out the selection of games on offer. While Fallout, MDK, Hostile Waters and Sacrifice are still the most visible games on the site, teaming with Strategy First and Pluto 13 has allowed CD Projekt to add Jagged Alliance, Disciples Gold and Sacred Gold to the list of available games.

“We’re elated to welcome these new companies to the GOG.com catalogue. It’s a great demonstration of their commitment to gamers, and we’re sure that our extremely devoted community will welcome Strategy First with open arms, and will have a great time revisiting the immersive world of Gothic as the Open Beta begins,” said Adam Oldakowski, Managing Director of GOG.com.

“The success of the Early Access Beta showed us that there is huge demand for DRM-free classic PC games, and it helped us to prepare the site for the public launch. We are endlessly grateful to the users for their support and assistance.”

If you want to take a look at the catalogue and maybe download a title or two then we can certainly recommend it. With Fallout 3 about ready for release, there's never been a better time to revisit the first games in the series in a DRM-free, Vista-compatible form, so head over to Good Old Games and let us know what you think in the forums.