Digital Preservation
Ongoing coverage on Digital Preservation.
Latest coverage
Xbox's surprise announcement of PC backwards compatibility is great to see — and one more reason not to buy a…
Microsoft has launched a new Xbox backward compatibility program for PC, allowing players to officially purchase and play four original Xbox titles: Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy. These games feature enhanced graphics, including up to 4x resolution upscaling, and will eventually receive an achievement system. This initiative is seen as a positive step for both consumers and digital preservation.
"I know how devastating it is, and my heart's with all of you": Doom's John Romero responds to id Software reportedly losing half their team
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly laying off approximately half of the staff at id Software, with a significant impact on the studio's technology team. Former id Software co-founder John Romero has responded to the news, expressing sorrow for those affected and emphasizing the importance of preserving the studio's historical code and assets.
Doom co-creator John Romero weighs in on Xbox's cuts to id Software, underlines the importance of digital preservation and the studio's history
Doom co-creator John Romero expressed his sorrow over the recent layoffs at id Software, acknowledging the personal impact of such events. He also emphasized the critical importance of preserving id Software's historical contributions to gaming, including its code and assets, as the company faces potential restructuring and rumors about the future of its id Tech engine.
'Your code is physically yours, forever. Until you lose it, let's be real': Github, wagging its finger at Sony's own goal, is offering CD-ROMs of your code for a few days
Microsoft-owned GitHub is offering users a CD-ROM of their public code repositories for a limited time, a move seen as a jab at Sony's perceived shift towards digital-only game distribution. This limited-time promotion, available from July 2-6, 2026, allows the first 1,000 eligible users to receive a physical copy of their code. The article also touches on Microsoft's own efforts in digital preservation and potential layoffs within its gaming division.
Xbox is reportedly testing a way to digitize your disc-based games
Xbox is reportedly developing a feature that would allow users to digitize their physical disc-based games. This initiative aims to preserve access to older titles in an increasingly digital gaming landscape.
EVE Online's The Capsuleer Edda Promises Digital Eternity—All They Need is Your Blood
Fenris Creations (formerly CCP Games) is inviting EVE Online players at EVE FanFest 2026 to donate a drop of blood to be incorporated into 'The Capsuleer Edda,' a historical record intended to last for millennia. This initiative, developed with scientific input from Dr. Mark Crowther, involves extracting DNA from blood samples to create a unique ink mixture, preserving player contributions to the game's history in a manner reflecting Icelandic storytelling traditions.
EVE Online’s Capsuleer Edda will preserve its history in a manuscript written in actual blood
EVE Online is undertaking a unique project called Capsuleer Edda to preserve the game's history in a physical manuscript. This manuscript will be written on vellum using ink mixed with a drop of blood from contributing players, including CEO Hilmar Pétursson. The project aims for extreme durability rather than digital preservation, with opportunities for players to contribute their blood at Fanfest.
Your Old Strategy Guides Are Worthless to Everyone But You
A recent trend on Reddit and Twitter has gamers sharing photos of their well-worn strategy guides, highlighting the emotional value and personal connection these physical artifacts hold. Unlike collectible items, the worth of these guides lies in their evidence of use, representing a lost era of player engagement with games before the prevalence of digital walkthroughs and wikis.
Nintendo Switch Delists Final Fantasy VII & Tomb Raider Packs May 19th
Two special content packs for Final Fantasy VII and Tomb Raider will be delisted from the Nintendo Switch eShop on May 19th. Players can still claim these packs, which include the Midgar Special Pack and Tomb Raider Special Pack, even without owning the base games. This situation highlights growing concerns about digital preservation and the fragility of digital content in the gaming industry.
Star Trek: Resurgence Gets Delisted from Steam Due to Licensing Issues
Star Trek: Resurgence is being delisted from Steam due to expiring licensing agreements, meaning it will no longer be available for purchase. While existing owners can still access the game, this highlights broader concerns about digital preservation in the gaming industry. The exact delisting date has not been announced, but players are encouraged to purchase the game soon if interested.
Highguard Vanishes from Steam Store, Sparking Community Concerns
The game Highguard has been removed from the Steam store, sparking concerns within the gaming community about digital preservation. While players who already own the game can still access it, the removal highlights the ongoing challenges of game availability on digital storefronts. The exact reasons for Highguard's disappearance remain officially undisclosed, leaving players and advocates to speculate on the implications for long-term game access.
