Game Preservation
Ongoing coverage on Game Preservation.
Latest coverage
Games Inbox: Will Zelda: Ocarina Of Time review better than GTA 6?
Readers debate whether Grand Theft Auto 6 or The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will receive higher review scores, with many predicting GTA 6 will edge out the Zelda title. The discussion also touches on Hideo Kojima's latest project, the future of Nintendo consoles, and the business decisions of Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Massively Overthinking: Does the MMORPG genre have a nostalgia problem?
This article discusses whether the MMORPG genre suffers from a nostalgia problem, with various writers debating the trend of classic servers and re-releases. While some see it as a financial crutch or a sign of stagnation, others view it as a valid form of game preservation or a necessary move in a risk-averse industry. The discussion highlights differing player attitudes and the potential for these throwback experiences to coexist with innovation.
Toaplan Arcade Garage: Flying Fire Shark Review – How I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb
This review covers Toaplan Arcade Garage: Flying Fire Shark, a collection featuring the shoot 'em up classics Flying Shark and Fire Shark, along with their international variants. Developed by M2, the collection offers extensive customization options and faithfully preserves the original arcade experiences. While Flying Shark felt somewhat underwhelming compared to its sequel, the "Super Easy Mode" provides an accessible entry point for newcomers, and the overall package is praised for its excellent soundtrack and M2's meticulous attention to detail in preserving these retro titles.
Xbox Game Pass Data Shows Price is The Main Cancellation Cause
A recent survey indicates that cost is the primary reason for cancellations of Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online, with price increases being a significant factor. While overall cancellation rates haven't necessarily increased, the data suggests consumers are becoming more sensitive to subscription costs. The industry is exploring alternative monetization models like advertising to maintain sustainability.
Xbox Cloud Gaming Changes Are an Unintentional Own Goal in Console Wars
Microsoft has announced new monthly hour limits for Xbox Cloud Gaming, which will arbitrarily restrict play time for subscribers. This move is seen as an "own goal" that alienates consumers, especially when compared to Sony's controversial decision to discontinue disc-based gaming. The new limits range from 5 hours for Game Pass Essential to 15 hours for Game Pass Ultimate, with the cost of additional hours unconfirmed but expected to be a significant drawback for players of long, open-world games.
Sony continues to anger fans as The Last Of Us Part 2 multiplayer mod axed
Sony Interactive Entertainment has reportedly forced the cancellation of a fan-made multiplayer mod for The Last of Us Part II on PC. The mod's creator, Speclizer, announced the termination following a request from Sony, drawing criticism from fans who view it as another 'terrible decision' by the company. This action comes after Sony also cancelled its own live service title, The Last of Us Online, in 2023.
The Toy Maker's Museum, Preservation Challenges, and Splatoon
This article discusses the challenges of game preservation, using Nintendo's Splatoon as an example of a game that faces potential issues with long-term accessibility. The piece explores the difficulties in maintaining older titles for future generations.
MMO Week in Review: Foreverrrrr
BlizzCon 2026 saw major announcements including a new open-world StarCraft shooter, Diablo V for 2029, and World of Warcraft Forever launching soon. The event also revealed World of Warcraft's next retail expansion, The Last Titan, and sparked controversy over World of Warcraft Forever's monetization. Other news included the sunsetting of Ship of Heroes, layoffs at Pantheon Rise of the Fallen, and business dealings involving ArcheAge.
The JRPG Players Guide to Handheld Game Consoles, Part 2: The Old Toys
This guide explores older handheld consoles like the PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS as viable options for JRPG players, especially those interested in retro gaming. It highlights their extensive libraries, including classic PS1 and PSP titles for the Vita, and a broad range of Nintendo games and Shin Megami Tensei titles for the 3DS, emphasizing the value of original hardware for specific game series.
The WoW 'Classic+' rumors were true: World of Warcraft: Forever promises to be another timeline's…
Blizzard Entertainment has officially announced World of Warcraft: Forever, a new branch of the MMORPG that revisits the 2004 launch era with new content and an expanded map. Unlike World of Warcraft: Classic, Forever will explore untold stories and introduce new zones, dungeons, raids, and playable races, aiming to offer a fresh experience while retaining the original game's spirit. The game is set to launch on November 4 and will be playable at BlizzCon.
Nintendo wins legal battle against Mig Switch cards in the Netherlands, says the decision will benefit "many video…
Nintendo has won a legal victory in the Netherlands against an online retailer selling 'Mig Switch Cards,' which are used to circumvent console security. A Dutch court ruled that offering these devices infringes on Nintendo's copyrights and ordered the seller to cease operations. While Nintendo emphasizes protecting legitimate game sales, the article also notes the role such devices can play in game preservation.
$2 billion later, I'm not convinced GTA 6 will do more for me than a PS2 and San Andreas
Despite the immense hype for Grand Theft Auto 6, the author questions if its evolved sandbox formula will offer more than classic titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on the PlayStation 2. The article suggests that due to concerns about digital ownership and Sony's move away from physical media, revisiting older games on original hardware might be a more satisfying and even a form of protest.
Dragon Age Origins is a broken mess. Thankfully, six devs are trying to change that
Dragon Age: Origins, a beloved fantasy RPG, suffers from significant performance issues on PC, making it difficult for new players to enjoy. A dedicated team of six developers is working to decompile its source code for modernization and improved modding support, aiming for a community-managed release without direct profit motive.
Games Inbox: Is the PlayStation brand tarnished by Sony’s actions?
Readers express frustration with Sony Interactive Entertainment's recent actions, including pulling funding from Hideo Kojima's new game and the lukewarm reception of Marvel's Wolverine. Concerns are raised about Sony's focus on live service games and perceived arrogance, leading some to consider switching to Nintendo platforms. The article also touches on the persistent issue of scalping for popular game consoles and accessories.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation's physical disc still requires a download because Square Enix "didn't want to…
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will require an online download for its physical release, a departure from previous entries in the trilogy. Director Naoki Hamaguchi stated this decision was made to avoid compromising the game's quality, though the author expresses disappointment with the lack of a fully physical experience and the potential implications for game preservation.
"If they won't give you physical games, make your own" - GOG now lets you turn digital games into big box PC releases, and my shelf is already sobbing
GOG has expanded its Preservation Program to allow users to download and print 3D scans of original big-box PC game packaging. This initiative, in collaboration with Big Box Collection, aims to preserve classic titles like Star Trek: 25th Anniversary, Armikrog, Descent, Hitman: Codename 47, and Myst, enabling fans to create their own physical releases at home.
The Rare SNES game that became Banjo-Kazooie has been preserved thanks to a leaker who wants you to "delete…
A leaker has released the ROM files for Project Dream, a canceled Super Nintendo pirate RPG prototype that served as the basis for Rare's Banjo-Kazooie. The leaker cited concerns about the current state of the game industry, including layoffs, anti-preservation tactics, and Microsoft's management of Rare, as reasons for the release. The leaker also expressed strong negative sentiments towards Microsoft and Sony, urging boycotts.
Stargate Worlds, an MMO that never launched, gets its own rogue server that you can play right now
A fan-made rogue server for the unreleased MMO Stargate Worlds is now playable in alpha. The project, named 'The Fifth Race,' aims to preserve the game using the original 2008 beta client by reverse-engineering the network protocol and rebuilding the backend.
Games Inbox: Did the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake live up to expectations?
Readers discuss their expectations and reactions to the remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. While many are impressed with the visual updates and quality-of-life improvements, some feel it's not ambitious enough and question Nintendo's approach to remakes. The article also touches on other upcoming games like Grand Theft Auto 6 and the potential for future Nintendo releases.
As publishers like Sony kill physical games, DRM-free store GOG preserves classic big boxes with 3D models and box art…
As Sony moves away from physical PlayStation games, the DRM-free storefront GOG is enhancing its preservation program. GOG is now offering interactive 3D scans of classic PC game box art and printable versions for fans to recreate physical boxes at home. This initiative aims to preserve not just the games but also their packaging and included supplements.
