Game Preservation
Ongoing coverage on Game Preservation.
Latest coverage
Marvel Maximum Collection Review – Welcome To Die!
The Marvel Maximum Collection offers a nostalgic trip through classic Marvel arcade and console games, including X-Men: The Arcade Game and Spider-Man/Venom: Maximum Carnage. Developed by Konami and published by Limited Run Games, this package adds modern conveniences like saving and rewinding to the notoriously difficult titles, making them accessible on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection review for Nintendo Switch
The Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection brings the trilogy to Nintendo Switch, offering a complete experience with modernized features. The collection successfully adapts the dual-screen gameplay for a single display and includes extensive customization options for difficulty and gameplay pacing. It also preserves original content and adds a gallery mode, making it a comprehensive celebration of the series for both newcomers and longtime fans.
Xbox Partner Preview: March 2026 – All the Announcements from Our Amazing Partners
The Xbox Partner Preview showcased 19 upcoming games from third-party developers, including world premieres of Hunter: The Reckoning – Deathwish, Alien Deathstorm, and Artificial Detective. Many titles, such as Stranger Than Heaven and Hades II, will be available day one with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The event also provided updates on DLC for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl and revealed release windows for numerous other games across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud.
Horizon Chase Turbo is getting delisted after the Epic Games layoffs
Horizon Chase Turbo will be delisted from all digital storefronts starting June 1st, following layoffs at Epic Games Brazil, formerly AQUIRIS. While existing owners can still access the game, new purchases will no longer be possible. This marks another instance of game preservation concerns as titles disappear from availability.
Stop Killing Games organizers say EU commission meeting ‘went fine’ but admit to uphill battles
Organizers from the Stop Killing Games movement reported a 'fine' but challenging meeting with the European Union commission regarding game preservation. While some officials were supportive, others raised legal concerns about limiting companies' ability to remove purchased games. The campaign emphasizes that this is a consumer rights issue, not just about playing old games, and highlights the importance of preserving digital art.
Game History and Preservation
The "Stop Killing Games" initiative has gained traction, reaching the EU Parliament to advocate for game preservation. This movement combats apathy and the loss of digital art, highlighting the importance of saving video game history, including titles from the 1980s.
GDC 2026: EverQuest Legends is a new pre-Kunark server from Daybreak and Game Jawn
Daybreak Game Company and new studio Game Jawn announced EverQuest Legends, an officially licensed classic EverQuest server set in the pre-Kunark era, slated for a July 2026 release. The game will be fully soloable, feature modern quality-of-life updates like multiclassing, and will operate on a subscription model. Game Jawn, composed of experienced members from the EverQuest emulation community, aims to preserve the classic experience while making it accessible to a wider audience.
Infinity Engine open source remake GemRB 0.9.5 gets Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition playable
The open-source Infinity Engine remake project GemRB has released version 0.9.5, significantly improving compatibility for classic RPGs like Baldur's Gate, Planescape: Torment, and Icewind Dale, including their enhanced editions. This update brings enhancements to audio, input handling, pathfinding performance, and adds EE-like zoom functionality across supported games.
"The thing we are trying to stop keeps happening": Highguard and other high-profile demises keep making the argument for Stop Killing Games
The Stop Killing Games campaign highlights the ongoing issue of online-only games being shut down, using examples like Highguard and Wildlight to advocate for better game preservation. Campaign spokesperson Josh Hayes notes that the regular demise of popular titles, even those with significant artistic value, helps keep the issue in the public consciousness and encourages support for their efforts to prevent such losses.
Nintendo investigating errors in Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness that cause the game to forcibly close
Nintendo is investigating reported errors causing Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness to crash on the Nintendo Switch Online service. The company has apologized for the inconvenience and advised players to use the in-game Quick Save feature to prevent data loss. Updates will be provided as they become available.
Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition review: A cute but troublesome exercise in preservation
This review discusses the Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition, a preservation effort for the classic platformer. While celebrating Rayman's return, the article notes that the release presents a cute but troublesome experience, likely due to technical issues or design choices.
EA is nuking Battlefield Hardline on consoles
Electronic Arts will delist the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of Battlefield Hardline from digital storefronts on May 22 and shut down their online services on June 22. The PC version remains unaffected. EA cited declining player bases as a typical reason for ending online support for older games.
Game History and Preservation
Todd Howard expressed that Bethesda's priority is ensuring the playability of their original RPGs before focusing on remasters. This approach highlights a commitment to game preservation and accessibility for older titles.
New Blood boss Dave Oshry 'quadruples down' on supporting GOG after worrying about its future, committing to sales, demos, one-click mods, plus day-and-date releases alongside Steam
New Blood CEO Dave Oshry has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the GOG storefront, expressing concern for its future. The company will ensure day-and-date releases with Steam for its titles, offer demos, and provide one-click mod installations for games like the Dusk HD remaster, aligning with GOG's DRM-free principles.
Games Inbox: Is Marathon worth playing?
Readers discuss various gaming topics, including Bungie's time-limited Marathon event, the effectiveness of game advertising for titles like World of Warcraft and Fortnite, and skepticism towards pre-ordering Crimson Desert. There's also a comparison of PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch sales, with a preference for the PS5 for AAA titles, and reflections on the strengths and weaknesses of Resident Evil Requiem.
Resident Evil’s Big Nintendo Swing and a Miss - IGN
This article explores the history of Resident Evil on Nintendo handheld consoles, detailing both successful and failed attempts. It covers the ambitious but ultimately cancelled Game Boy Color port, the forgotten Resident Evil Gaiden, and the successful Resident Evil: Deadly Silence on the Nintendo DS, contrasting them with modern handheld experiences on platforms like the Steam Deck.
Review: Court of Darkness: Temptation’s Kiss Preserves Another Voltage Otome
Court of Darkness: Temptation's Kiss, a Voltage otome game originally from the Love 365 app, has been ported to the Nintendo Switch. While the port is praised for preserving the title and featuring solid character development and localization, it is incomplete, only including up to Book 2 and missing several romance options available on mobile. This leaves players on a cliffhanger and potentially requiring them to use the mobile app to continue the story.
60+ PS5, PS4 Games to Buy in PS Store's Refreshed Spring Sale
The PlayStation Store's Spring Sale is ongoing until April 22, 2026, featuring over 60 discounted PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 games. The article highlights recommended titles that have received high scores and are at their lowest prices, including "Metaphor: ReFantazio," "Resident Evil 4," and "Hades."
Atari Partly Funding OpenTTD Following Controversial Steam and GOG Changes
Atari is now partly funding the upkeep costs for the open-source simulation game OpenTTD, following recent controversial changes to its Steam and GOG releases. The developers clarified that Atari, owner of Transport Tycoon Deluxe, agreed to contribute to server infrastructure costs without pressure, while OpenTTD retains its independence. These changes mean players must now own Transport Tycoon Deluxe to access OpenTTD on Steam or GOG.
How A Failed Multiplayer Game Just Set The Standard For All Live-Service Games
Despite FBC: Firebreak underperforming commercially, Remedy is keeping the multiplayer game online indefinitely with a final update and a friend pass system. This approach sets a new standard for live-service games, contrasting with the common practice of delisting and shutting down servers for underperforming titles. The article highlights this as a positive development for game preservation and player access in the industry.
