Game Preservation
Ongoing coverage on Game Preservation.
Latest coverage
LEGO 2K Drive is getting delisted soon and servers will shut down
LEGO 2K Drive will be delisted from digital storefronts on May 19, 2026, and its online servers will shut down on May 31, 2027. The article speculates that licensing issues or low profitability, evidenced by low player counts on Steam, are likely reasons for the shutdown. This event highlights ongoing concerns about game preservation in the industry.
Stop Killing Games wins California Assembly committee vote, Protect Our Games Act heads to floor
The AB 1921 Protect Our Games Act has advanced through the California Assembly Appropriations Committee, moving closer to a floor vote. This bill requires game developers to provide 60 days' notice before terminating online services for games released after January 1, 2027, and offer purchasers alternatives like offline play or refunds. The Entertainment Software Association has been lobbying against the bill.
California Protect Our Games Act backed by Stop Killing Games passes key hurdle
The California Protect Our Games Act, backed by Stop Killing Games, has passed a key hurdle in the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee. The bill aims to amend laws to prevent developers from completely removing access to digital games, requiring notice for server shutdowns and options for continued play or refunds. The Entertainment Software Association has lobbied against the bill, which now moves forward to the assembly floor.
California bill pushing to keep games playable after server shutdowns passes key hurdle, paving way for full assembly vote
A California bill, AB 1921, aimed at game preservation has passed a key hurdle in the state's Committee on Appropriations. The bill requires studios to either maintain online game functionality or offer refunds, and faces opposition from the Entertainment Software Association. It now moves to a full assembly vote, with the governor having the final say if it passes the legislature.
Game History and Preservation
Stop Killing Games has won a legal battle against the Entertainment Software Association in California. This victory is seen as a significant step forward for game preservation efforts.
The OG Metro duo can now be yours on GOG, and they come with a fresh coat of performance polish
The original versions of Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light are now available on GOG as part of its Preservation Program. These updated editions include performance enhancements, Windows 10 and 11 compatibility, and modern controller support. This release allows players to access the original iterations of the games, which are no longer available on Steam.
GOG.com Preserves Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light Complete Edition
GOG.com has announced the re-release of Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light Complete Edition for PC as part of its Game Preservation Program. These first-person shooters developed by 4A Games are now available again through the platform.
The original versions of Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light land on GOG
The original versions of Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light have been added to GOG as part of its game preservation initiative. This move ensures that older titles remain accessible to players.
METRO 2033 & METRO: LAST LIGHT COMPLETE EDITION NOW AVAILABLE ON GOG
The original versions of METRO 2033 and METRO: Last Light Complete Edition have been re-released on GOG as part of their games preservation program. These classic titles are now playable on modern PCs with optimizations including controller support, unlocked resolutions, and improved framerates. This re-release celebrates the METRO franchise and the anniversary of METRO: Last Light's original launch.
The original Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light Complete Edition enter the GOG Preservation Program
GOG has partnered with 4A Games and DEEP SILVER to bring the original Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light to the GOG Preservation Program for modern PCs. The updated versions include compatibility with Windows 10 and 11, support for modern controllers, increased resolutions, and improved performance settings. All Metro titles on GOG are currently discounted.
METRO 2033 & METRO: LAST LIGHT COMPLETE EDITION NOW AVAILABLE ON GOG
The original versions of METRO 2033 and METRO: Last Light Complete Edition have been re-released on GOG as part of their games preservation program. These classic titles have been optimized for modern PCs with improved framerates, unlocked resolutions, and added controller support. The remastered Redux versions remain available on other platforms.
Video: The Great Physical Vs. Digital Switch 2 Debate
This article discusses the ongoing debate between physical and digital game media, particularly in the context of the Nintendo Switch. It explores factors like cost, convenience, ownership, and preservation, featuring a discussion with Alex, Mai, and Felix.
Grow Home and Grow Up from Atari added to the GOG Preservation Program
Grow Home and Grow Up, originally from Ubisoft and now owned by Atari, have been added to the GOG Preservation Program, making them available DRM-free. GOG is also working on updates and offline installers for various older games and has committed to providing bi-weekly progress reports on this initiative.
Game History and Preservation
A video game industry lobby group, previously opposed to library-led preservation efforts, is now pushing back against the 'Stop Killing Games' initiative. The group argues that such efforts could hinder the development of new games, features, and technologies.
Industry lobbyists ridicule "false premise" that "consumers 'own' digital games" amid Stop…
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) is lobbying against California's proposed "Protect Our Games Act" (AB-1921), arguing that consumers do not "own" digital games but rather license them. The bill would require publishers to keep games playable or offer refunds when they shut down, a move the ESA claims is based on a "false premise."
Game industry lobby group that argued against preservation efforts from libraries is now pushing back on Stop Killing Games, saying it could prevent 'new games, features, and technology'
The game industry lobby group ESA is pushing back against the 'Stop Killing Games' initiative, arguing that preservation efforts could hinder the development of new games and technologies. This follows similar arguments made by Video Games Europe, which warned of increased development costs and potential exposure to unsafe community content. The ESA has a history of lobbying against game preservation efforts, including past arguments against DMCA allowances for libraries.
The video games industry wants to keep killing games, actually
The 'Stop Killing Games' initiative is advocating for legislation like California's AB 1921, the Protect Our Games Act, to prevent video games from becoming unplayable when online services are shut down. The Entertainment Software Association is lobbying against the bill, arguing that games are licensed, not owned, and that server maintenance is complex. The initiative counters that the proposed law offers companies options like patching games for offline play or issuing refunds, rather than demanding perpetual server support.
Stop Killing Games says age verification laws make game preservation ‘harder or even impossible’
The Stop Killing Games movement argues that age verification laws will make game preservation more difficult or impossible, particularly for fan-run servers. They contend that these laws create new gatekeepers and collect sensitive data without addressing root causes of online harm. Separately, the Entertainment Software Association opposes a California bill requiring advance notice for online game service closures, stating it could hinder new game development.
Xbox Game Pass "starter edition" now officially bundled with Discord Nitro memberships, with more benefits coming soon
Xbox Game Pass has officially partnered with Discord Nitro, offering a starter edition of the subscription service to eligible Nitro members. This collaboration also includes deeper integration within Discord, allowing users to easily access and try Game Pass titles. Separately, a debate is ongoing in California regarding consumer protection law AB 1921, which aims to ensure offline access or refunds for games when online services cease, with the ESA opposing it and consumer groups like Stop Killing Games supporting it.
Game History and Preservation
The owner of E3 and the organization Stop Killing Games are in disagreement regarding a Californian bill focused on game preservation. The E3 owner argues that the demand for such legislation is not driven by a need for eternal server support, but rather by broader preservation concerns.