I keep on getting random crashes while playing. It locks me out from using task manager or even right-clicking on the toolbar to force it closed. I have to either restart my computer or sign out of my user account. 100% sure it's the game and horrible compatibility issues but never hurts to inquire.

Which game (Gothic 1, 2 or 3) and what are your system specs?

At least the first game is expected to crash every once in a while, I refuse to believe that there's anyone in the world that never has the game crashing on him.

Though what it does is just throw you back to the desktop and open an error message. That the game straight up crashes your PC has to be some hardware compatibility issue, the game is pretty old after all. And even back then it was pretty messed up. If it happens to you during one of the other two games, then it's still not normal.

First game. My computer specs are irrelevant other than my OS which is Windows 8.1 I'm, y'know, pretty sure my computer can run it. I'm already assuming it's just compatibility issues and I'm assuming I can't run it because it's not supported for whatever hardware I have.

From store page: Works on: Windows (XP, Vista)
So Windows 8.1 is the reason.

Yeah, I figured. Do I have to run it in compatibility mode or will that not work?

You can try it (Windows XP with SP3). I don't use Windows 8. So I can't help you more.

Actually, how do you even run it in compatibility mode? I'm using GOG Galaxy so is that an issue?

Thanks, should have thought about making a shortcut. I'll test it out later and see if it works out.