Long ago, I found a retail box CD version of Crusader Kings I at Big Lots for $4, and put it on my shelf. It was one of those "round tuit" purchases - I figured I've enjoyed a number of strategy games and wargames in the past, and figured I would eventually get around to it.

Now I'm running Windows 11. I see the version here on GOG, and find myself wondering, how is it different from the old version I have on the shelf? The box version says copyright 2004, and says it is for Windows 98, 'ME, 2000 or XP. It has a very nice color manual.

Will the GOG version run better on modern Windows? Is it a more recent version of the game than the retail box version? I'm just wondering what the difference is. Thanks!

Maybe this helps you, but as far as I can see, the only difference is the retail version has copy protection and other languages (thats a shame!):

https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Crusader_Kings