Game Preservation
Ongoing coverage on Game Preservation.
Latest coverage
After Ubisoft canceled its remake, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time gets an enhanced version from GOG
GOG has released an enhanced version of the original Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time after Ubisoft canceled its remake. This version includes fixes for modern hardware, widescreen support, and FPS limiting. GOG stated they are dedicated to ensuring the classic action game is playable as intended.
Looking To Save Money? Here’s How (And Why) You Should Finally Tackle Your Backlog
This guide offers strategies for managing a gaming backlog to save money and play more games. It suggests auditing free time, browsing libraries like a library, using tools like Backloggd and HowLongToBeat to narrow down choices, and buying games responsibly. The article emphasizes enjoying games without pressure and avoiding the feeling of a second job.
Former PlayStation Boss Weighs In On Sony Killing Off Physical Game Discs
Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida commented on Sony's decision to end support for physical game discs in 2028, stating it may not be a significant issue for many players due to the necessity of digital updates and DLC. While acknowledging the desire for physical collections, he noted that digital pricing offers flexibility and that the end of discs could impact the secondhand market. The move also raises concerns about game preservation, though Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot believes it won't heavily disrupt the industry.
Ex-PlayStation boss doesn't know if Sony killing physical games is "such a big issue" since players need to download patches and extra data anyway
Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida stated he doesn't understand why Sony's decision to stop producing physical game discs from 2028 is a major issue, as most games require digital updates and downloads anyway. While acknowledging the appeal for collectors, Yoshida, a digital-first consumer himself, believes players can still find games on sale digitally. This perspective contrasts with significant consumer backlash regarding game preservation and ownership.
Games Inbox: What is the best The Simpsons video game?
Readers discuss their favorite Simpsons video games, with a desire for retro collections including titles like Hit & Run and the arcade game. Other topics include the longevity of Fortnite, the future of the Halo franchise, the implications of digital-only consoles, and the state of Blizzard's game development.
Why Are Video Game Consoles So Expensive These Days (And Games Historically Cheap)?
Video game consoles and games are becoming increasingly expensive due to a confluence of factors including tariffs, AI-driven demand for components, and a structural shift in the console business model. Experts predict hardware costs will remain high for several more years, potentially impacting future console generations like the PlayStation 6 and Project Helix.
"It's a relentless onslaught": As Marvel's Wolverine faces backlash, Insomniac community lead calls out social media algorithms for pushing "negativity"
Insomniac Games' director of community and marketing, James Stevenson, has criticized social media algorithms for amplifying negativity surrounding Marvel's Wolverine. Despite preview content receiving positive feedback, online criticism, particularly regarding gameplay linearity and boss battles, has been amplified. Stevenson also noted that some players are using official PlayStation posts to express anger over the discontinuation of physical game discs, a separate issue from Insomniac's development.
Konami’s Castlevania relaunch will be delisted and removed before the popular side-scroller gets the chance to…
Konami is delisting Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls from Apple Arcade on September 3, 2026, after which its servers will shut down, rendering the game unplayable. The action-RPG, which launched in September 2021, featured live-service elements like co-op and PvP. The article also briefly mentions the upcoming Castlevania: Belmont's Curse.
IRL Homescreen for Wii physical discs now includes a secret bookshelf mechanism that will save you from the horrors of…
A DIY project called the 'IRL homescreen' has been updated with a secret bookshelf mechanism that randomly selects a physical game to play. This invention, created by AlmostInventor, uses motors to present the chosen disc and projects game art, offering a novel way to combat indecisiveness. The project highlights a continued desire for physical media integration with digital features, even as companies like Sony move towards digital-only releases.
A Lord of the Rings Online fan is building a sweet WebGL map explorer that runs in your browser
A fan has developed a 3D WebGL map explorer for Lord of the Rings Online that runs in a browser, allowing users to explore the game's world data. The project, which took 10 months to create, is intended for curiosity and preservation, with basic terrain loaded but textures and shaders still in development.
Blue Reflection Quartet and the Effort of Preserving Multimedia Projects
Blue Reflection Quartet's release prompts a discussion on preserving multimedia game franchises, particularly service games like Blue Reflection: Sun which have ended their service. The collection includes remade versions of the mobile game and an in-engine recap of the anime Blue Reflection: Ray, raising questions about what constitutes true preservation versus adaptation.
How I’m dealing with my video game backlog of 48 titles - Reader's Feature
A reader details their strategy for tackling a personal backlog of 48 video games, categorizing titles and discussing their purchasing habits. They highlight challenges with game length, difficulty, and digital ownership, while also reflecting on completed games and those they've abandoned.
The Pokemon Bank shutdown will be the end of an era
Pokemon Bank, a crucial tool for transferring Pokemon between Nintendo 3DS titles, will permanently shut down in February 2027. This closure marks the end of an era for many players who relied on the service to maintain continuity and sentimental value in their Pokemon collections across generations. While Pokemon Home offers a modern alternative for transferring creatures to the Nintendo Switch, the loss of Pokemon Bank signifies a break in the long chain of intergenerational transferability.
Pokemon Bank shutdown will make 5 Pokemon unobtainable in modern Switch games, and fans want to know when that changes
Pokemon Bank will shut down on February 25, 2027, making several Pokemon unobtainable in modern Nintendo Switch games. While most Pokemon can be transferred to Pokemon Home, a few, including Spinda, Deoxys, Celebi, Victini, Zarude, Iron Leaves, and Walking Wake, will become inaccessible. The article discusses the current status of these Pokemon and speculates on when they might become available again through future events or game releases.
You Could Win A PS5 1TB Model For Just $1 And Get Some Cheap Steam Keys Too
Fanatical is offering a chance to win a PlayStation 5 1TB model for $1 through its Mystery Vault Bundle, which also includes Steam keys for PC games. While winning the console is unlikely, the bundle guarantees Steam game keys, with bulk purchases reducing the per-key cost. This promotion highlights the declining relevance of disc drives in modern gaming consoles.
Scabby versus Sharma, Twitch's GenAI admission, and Netflix shutters more studios - Patch Notes #65
Netflix has closed two more internal game studios, Night School Studio and Moonloot Games, despite recent success with its cloud gaming launches. Meanwhile, Twitch confirmed it will use user data to train Amazon's generative AI models by default. In other news, union workers protested Xbox's layoffs with a large inflatable rat and red flags, while the game 'Big Walk' surpassed one million sales and a game preservation project regained funding after previous cuts.
If you're not paying attention to retro game recompilations, you're missing the most exciting thing in gaming…
The article argues that retro game recompilations, which involve reverse-engineering and rewriting old game code for modern hardware, represent the most exciting development in gaming. These fan-made projects offer enhanced graphics, accessibility options, and improved performance, often surpassing official preservation efforts. While facing challenges like low-effort AI-generated content, the scene is rapidly growing with numerous notable recompilations and more anticipated.
Stop Killing Games joins Dutch lawsuit against PlayStation's 'Sony tax' on digital games
Consumer group Stop Killing Games has joined a lawsuit in the Netherlands against Sony, accusing the company of overcharging for digital PlayStation games and creating a monopoly. The lawsuit, supported by Stichting Massaschade & Consument, seeks fair pricing and a refund of the alleged 'Sony Tax' for consumers. This action comes as Sony plans to discontinue physical game sales in 2028.
Stop Killing Games might never win according to expert: "Are consumer rights being violated? Well, they already…
An expert from Flux Digital Policy suggests the Stop Killing Games movement may not achieve its goals due to legal and industry standards. Celia Pontin argues that existing terms of service already govern situations like the shutdown of The Crew, and that current legislation makes it difficult to force publishers to maintain access to games indefinitely. While acknowledging the passion behind the movement, she highlights a mismatch between public desires and legal/technological realities.
Marvel's Wolverine "fully playable" on disc when it releases, Insomniac clarifies, perhaps making it one of the last few PlayStation games that will be
Insomniac Games has confirmed that Marvel's Wolverine will be fully playable on disc upon its PlayStation 5 release on September 15th, clarifying it will not require a full download. This announcement comes amidst Sony's controversial decision to cease producing game discs by January 2028, a move that has sparked backlash over concerns about second-hand sales and digital store monopolies.
