[Update: 10:15 26/4/11] Due to "a few pernicious bugs" with the new GOG downloader, the update and its associated downtime are being shifted to May 5. "We figured, given our kind of rocky history with site updates, that you guys might like to know in advance," the updated post now says.

[Original] Good Old Games, the virtuous virtual vendor of vintage video games, has announced that it will be going offline for a few hours later this week to update the site. Shiny new features in the works include messaging and a new client with an improved downloader.

Unlike when Good Old Games faked closing as a publicity stunt for a relaunch, the schedule for this downtime has been revealed. The site will go down at 3am Eastern on Wednesday and "should" be back up after "a few hours." You won't be able to buy or download any games during this period, so best stock up if you imagine you'll be struck with a sudden urge to play Planescape: Torment or The Last Express in the middle of the night.

Though GOG traditionally rolls out new releases on Tuesday, this week's will come on Wednesday. The site's currently in the middle of a streak of Atari titles, which will be capped off on May 10 with the addition of The Witcher.

The improved downloader will doubtless come in handy next month for GOG's release of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings--the only edition which doesn't use SecuROM. As the system requirements demand 16GB of hard drive space, it'll certainly be a big download that would be a real nuisance to get if stuck at slow speeds. Pre-loading will begin on May 10, letting those who pre-order to download 90% of the RPG in advance of its May 17 launch.