Game Preservation
Ongoing coverage on Game Preservation.
Latest coverage
Shack Chat: What is your favorite piece of physical video game media?
Shacknews staff members share their favorite pieces of physical video game media, ranging from classic console re-releases and collector's editions to rare cartridges and fightsticks. The discussion highlights the sentimental value and importance of physical media for game preservation and personal memories, especially in an era of increasing digital-only releases and subscription services.
Game History and Preservation
Developers from Anthem, SpaceCraft, and Warframe discuss the significant challenges of reverse engineering always-online games for preservation purposes. The 'Stop Killing Games' campaign highlights these efforts.
What if Stop Killing Games win? Anthem, SpaceCraft and Warframe devs on the "massive undertaking" of reverse engineering an always-online game
The article discusses the challenges and importance of game preservation for live service titles, using Warframe as a primary example. It explores the difficulties of reverse engineering always-online games and the efforts of groups like Stop Killing Games to advocate for offline modes and legal requirements for game longevity. Experts like Scott McGregor and Mark Darrah weigh in on the technical and financial hurdles, while the piece also touches on the potential impact of such regulations on the future development of live service games.
A vanished Pokémon title has reappeared on eBay — and bidding hit $9,145.66
A Nintendo DS development cartridge, potentially containing the lost game PokéPark Fishing Rally DS, has reappeared on eBay with bids exceeding $9,000. This rare title was a Japan-exclusive Download Play game from 2005 that disappeared after its limited run. Game preservationists are attempting to pool funds to acquire the cartridge and dump its contents for public access, facing competition from private collectors.
34% of PS5 discs and 50% of Xbox Series X discs are junk without a download, research finds: "It's deliberately undermining the value of physical releases"
Research by game preservation group DoesItPlay indicates that a significant portion of physical game discs for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are incomplete without substantial downloads. Approximately 34% of PS5 discs and 50% of Xbox Series X discs require downloads to fix bugs or access essential content, leading to concerns about the diminishing value of physical releases.
Report shows 34% of physical PS5 games and 50% of Xbox Series X games do not work fully without a download first
A report indicates that a significant percentage of physical games for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X require downloads to be fully playable, impacting game preservation and offline play. The Nintendo Switch fares better, though its sample size is smaller. This trend highlights a shift away from fully playable physical media.
PokePark Fishing Contest DS resurfaced on eBay after more than 20 years
The long-lost Nintendo DS game PokePark Fishing Contest DS has resurfaced on eBay, over 20 years after its initial release via the DS Download Play feature. The game, originally from 2005, is listed for €7,999 (approximately $9,100), attracting significant interest from collectors and game preservationists.
Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics adding unreleased games Zero Racers and D-Hopper next week, screen customization filter
Nintendo is adding the previously unreleased Virtual Boy games Zero Racers and D-Hopper to Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics on August 4, 2026, via Nintendo Switch Online. The update also includes a screen color customization feature that allows players to select preferred colors during gameplay.
Games Inbox: Will you play the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake or GTA 6 first?
Readers discuss the potential simultaneous release of a The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and Grand Theft Auto 6, debating which game they would play first. Other topics include concerns about digital downloads, the perceived lack of appeal for Gears of War: E-Day, and the reliability of user reviews compared to professional critiques.
The Spectrum White Edition interview: ‘it smells the same as Christmas Day 1984'
Retro Games CTO Chris Smith discusses the company's mission to recreate classic 8-bit computers like the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 with modern hardware. The Spectrum White Edition aims to capture the original experience, including programming capabilities, while offering modern conveniences like HDMI output and save states. Smith highlights the challenges of hardware replication and the importance of preserving gaming history for both nostalgic adults and curious younger generations.
Why GTA 6’s PS5 Game Codes Could Cause Major Problems for Some Players
Grand Theft Auto 6's physical release on PlayStation 5 could face significant issues due to Sony's region-locking policy for digital download codes. This policy requires codes to match the region of the player's account, potentially preventing players from accessing the game if they purchase a copy from an international retailer or receive it as a gift. Rockstar Games has advised players to purchase physical editions from retailers in the same country as their account, highlighting a potential friction point for a highly anticipated title.
Rare lost Pokemon Nintendo DS game seemingly appears for sale on eBay
A rare, lost Nintendo DS game, Pokemon Fishing Contest DS, originally distributed via Download Play at Japanese events in 2005, has seemingly resurfaced. A German eBay user is selling a development cartridge believed to contain files for the game for approximately $9,000. While its exact contents are unconfirmed, the cartridge boots to a score ranking communication program, marking a significant discovery for Pokemon collectors and fans of obscure gaming history.
Game History and Preservation
This article discusses the availability of the game Strange Adventures in Infinite Space through the Internet Archive, highlighting its role in game preservation. It also mentions related mod packs available for download.
The next game on GOG's preservation list would be your favourite ARPG if it hadn't released the same year as…
GOG has announced that the 2000 action RPG NOX will be inducted into its Preservation Program after winning a patron poll. This initiative ensures that NOX will be supported and kept easily playable on modern PCs. NOX won the poll against other classic titles like Lands of Lore 1 + 2 and Might and Magic 7: For Blood and Honor, with GOG committing to similar preservation efforts as seen with Thief.
How 97 Copies of an Unreleased Version of Super Mario Bros. Duck Hunt Were Discovered in a Wisconsin Warehouse
An unreleased version of Super Mario Bros. Duck Hunt was discovered among 97 Nintendo Entertainment System cartridges in a Wisconsin warehouse by Jason Ganos. The find is considered a significant historical discovery for game collectors and preservationists.
Clair Obscur developers see Sony's no-disk announcement as 'a sad decision', because they 'like to go outside, buy a game, and come back home with it'
Developers at Sandfall Interactive, creators of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, have expressed sadness over Sony's decision to discontinue game discs. Studio leads Guillaume Broche, Tom Guillermin, and Alan Reynaud shared that physical releases hold artistic value and contribute to the tangible ownership experience that many players cherish.
Game History and Preservation
A producer for BioWare has stated that a remaster trilogy for the Dragon Age series is unlikely due to a lack of personnel familiar with the original game engine. This raises concerns about the preservation of older game titles.
Evening Interviews
Stephen Kick of Nightdive Studios discusses the challenges of game preservation and the company's efforts in remastering classic titles. The article also touches upon the ownership and operational challenges faced by Nexus Mods over the past year.
That GOG gloss-up of Thief is an excellent way to play the game until we get the Nightdive remaster
GOG's updated version of Thief Gold offers an excellent way to play the classic immersive sim on modern systems, featuring integrated fan mods for controller support and widescreen resolutions. While not a full remaster like Nightdive Studios' upcoming project, this GOG release effectively addresses common issues with older PC games, making them easily accessible.
Atari & Twin Galaxies partner to launch 2026 Atari World Championships
Atari has partnered with Twin Galaxies to launch the 2026 Atari World Championships, a new esports competition featuring five iconic Atari games. The event will include online tournaments culminating in a Grand Finals, with details on specific games and dates to be announced later. This initiative aligns with Atari's recent focus on game preservation and other ventures under CEO Wade Rosen.
