Game Preservation
Ongoing coverage on Game Preservation.
Latest coverage
D7VK 1.8 further improves retro Direct3D games on Linux
D7VK 1.8 has been released, offering further improvements for retro Direct3D games on Linux. This update introduces proper handling for ProcessVertices calls and replaces proxied presentation with a legacy method, resolving numerous rendering and display issues across a wide range of older titles. These enhancements significantly contribute to Linux's capabilities for game preservation.
Game History and Preservation
Two classic Nintendo games from the early 1990s, Super Mario Bros. 3 and The Legend of Zelda, are receiving surprise physical re-releases this fall. Additionally, a rare Nintendo game has been restored after over 50 years, highlighting ongoing efforts in game preservation.
'You Can Play Your Purchased Games As Usual': Sony Breaks Silence on PS5, PS4 Game Expiry DRM
Sony has issued a statement addressing concerns about a potential DRM issue affecting PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 digital games, which suggested licenses might expire after 30 days. The company clarified that players can continue to access and play their purchased games as usual, requiring only a one-time online check to confirm the license, after which no further checks are needed. This statement aims to quell fears about game preservation and the long-term playability of digital purchases.
PS4 Game Expiry Timer Sparks DRM Concerns, Here's What We Know So Far
Sony is facing concerns from PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 owners regarding a potential Digital Rights Management (DRM) issue that appears to impose a 30-day expiry timer on newly purchased PS4 games. While Sony has not commented, reports suggest this may be an unintentional bug rather than a deliberate feature, with some users claiming the issue has already been resolved.
PS5 Confirmed to Be Affected by Game Expiry Issue, Sony Still Silent on DRM Worries
Sony is reportedly implementing a new DRM policy that requires PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 owners to connect to the internet every 30 days to verify game licenses. Testing indicates that newly purchased digital games on PS4 and PS5 are affected, with some failing to load when offline and the console's CMOS battery removed. This has raised significant concerns about game preservation should Sony's servers ever be taken offline.
PS5 Game Expiry DRM Potentially Explained, Sony Still Yet to Comment
Concerns have arisen regarding a potential new DRM policy by Sony that appears to impose a 30-day expiry on newly purchased digital games for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. While Sony has not officially commented, theories suggest this is a temporary measure to combat refund fraud, requiring a PSN connection within 14 days of purchase to make the license permanent. The issue has raised significant worries about long-term game preservation.
PS5 Confirmed to Be Affected by Game Expiry Issue, Sony Support Sends Mixed Messages on DRM
Sony is reportedly implementing a new DRM policy that requires PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles to connect to the internet every 30 days to verify game licenses. This issue appears to affect newly purchased digital and physical games, raising significant concerns about game preservation should Sony's servers ever be taken offline. Customer support responses have been mixed, with some suggesting the 30-day check-in is intentional following a March 2026 update, while others offer less conclusive information.
PS5, PS4 Game Expiry DRM Concerns Escalate as Sony Remains Silent on Issue
Concerns have escalated among PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 owners regarding a potential Digital Rights Management (DRM) issue where newly purchased PS4 games may expire after 30 days if not verified online. Sony has remained silent on the matter, leaving uncertainty whether this is an intentional DRM implementation or an unintended bug. The issue raises significant questions about game preservation should Sony's servers eventually be taken offline.
With Silent Hill 2's source code still MIA, a dedicated fan has decided to restore the game's CGI renders: 'Takayoshi' Sato's work was incredible for its time'
A fan is restoring the original CGI renders for Silent Hill 2, as the game's source code is lost and an official remaster seems unlikely. While the fan uses an AI upscaler, they manually edit the images in Photoshop to maintain quality and avoid an "AI look." This project aims to preserve a part of the classic game in the absence of official efforts.
Forza Horizon 4 Players Left Stranded After Steam Delisting Catches Them Off Guard
Forza Horizon 4 has been delisted from digital storefronts including Steam and Xbox Store due to expired music licensing deals, leaving players unable to purchase it legally. While Microsoft had announced the December 15th deadline and offered a sale, many players were caught off guard. This situation highlights the challenges of digital game preservation when licenses expire, making it difficult for new players to access older titles.
Atari Acquires PS1 Porting Studio to Revive Classic Games
Atari has acquired a studio specializing in porting PlayStation 1 classics to modern platforms, aiming to revive beloved retro games. This move highlights the growing trend of companies investing in game preservation and leveraging their back catalogs for revenue. The acquisition is expected to bring classic titles to new audiences while preserving gaming history.
Former 3DS and Vita JRPG Exstetra Headed to PC via Steam
The JRPG Exstetra, originally released for Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita, is coming to PC via Steam in Summer 2026. The game features turn-based combat with positioning elements and relationship mechanics. This release is seen as a positive step for game preservation, as digital storefronts for the original platforms have closed.
Game History and Preservation
Sega has launched Sega Universe, a project aimed at reviving its older intellectual properties beyond just video games. Separately, Peter Molyneux has commented on the Fable reboot, with details emerging via IGN. These initiatives highlight a growing focus on game preservation and IP utilization within the industry.
Atari acquires emulation studio Implicit Conversions
Atari has acquired emulation studio Implicit Conversions, which specializes in porting classic games to modern platforms using proprietary technology. Implicit Conversions has previously worked with Atari on titles like Mortal Kombat: Legacy Collection and Rayman. This acquisition, following previous purchases of Digital Eclipse and Nightdive Studios, strengthens Atari's capabilities in retro game preservation and emulation.
Atari acquires emulation studio Implicit Conversions
Atari has acquired emulation specialist Implicit Conversions and its proprietary Syrup engine, which is capable of bringing 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit games to modern consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. This acquisition aims to strengthen Atari's position in the retro market and enhance its game preservation capabilities.
Game History and Preservation
The 'Stop Killing Games' movement is celebrating after The Crew 2 received further support for an offline mode. This development is seen as a victory for game preservation advocates concerned about titles becoming inaccessible when online servers are shut down.
PS Plus Retro Games Studio Snapped Up by Atari
Atari has acquired Implicit Conversions, a studio known for bringing classic games to modern platforms like PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 for PS Plus Premium. This move strengthens Atari's position in retro gaming and emulation, joining other studios like Digital Eclipse and Nightdive Studios under its umbrella.
The Crew 2 Gets Offline Mode as Stop Killing Games Wins Big
The Crew 2 will receive additional offline mode support following advocacy from the Stop Killing Games movement. This development is seen as a significant victory for game preservation and demonstrates the impact of organized community action on publishers like Ubisoft. The move addresses concerns about games becoming unplayable when servers are shut down, setting a precedent for other titles and publishers.
SGJ Podcast #514 – Resurrected MMOs
This podcast episode discusses resurrected Massively Multiplayer Online games that have been brought back to life after their initial closure. The hosts share their personal experiences with such games, highlighting Jumpgate as a beloved example and noting the existence of a large list of current and upcoming revived MMOs for listeners to explore.
Stop Killing Games movement celebrates as The Crew 2 sees further offline mode support
Ubisoft has released updates for The Crew 2's Hybrid Mode, allowing offline access to features like livery creation and driver statistics, following pressure from the Stop Killing Games movement. The movement, which advocates for game preservation and successfully petitioned the European Parliament, claims credit for Ubisoft's continued support of The Crew 2's offline capabilities and similar plans for The Crew Motorfest.
