Game Preservation
Ongoing coverage on Game Preservation.
Latest coverage
A lost Final Fantasy 7 game has just been saved 20 years after its release, though it cost one preservationist $900
A previously lost Final Fantasy 7 spin-off, Dirge of Cerberus - Lost Episode, has been successfully preserved over 20 years after its release. Video game preservationist Yuvi spent over $900 to develop a brute-force program and GPU farm to recover the encrypted data from an old SD card. This mobile game, a midquel to Dirge of Cerberus, is now playable again and serves as a primer for Vincent Valentine's appearance in the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
Cancelled Quake 4 expansion gets surprise GitHub release after former XCOM 2 developer discovers it on an old hard…
A cancelled expansion for Quake 4, titled Awakening, has been unexpectedly released on GitHub after former XCOM 2 developer Justin Marshall discovered a build on a second-hand computer. The expansion, developed by Ritual Entertainment, was previously shelved by Activision due to poor sales of the base game. Marshall uploaded the build for preservation, hoping the community can utilize the near-complete content.
Chrono Trigger Turned 31, and Square Enix Still Hasn’t Made Anything Better
Chrono Trigger, released 31 years ago, remains Square Enix's benchmark for JRPG quality, a standard the company has yet to surpass despite its rich history. The game innovated by removing random encounters, featuring a compelling story, and boasting a legendary soundtrack, all thanks to a dream team of industry veterans. Despite its enduring legacy, Square Enix has failed to bring Chrono Trigger to modern platforms, hindering its accessibility and preservation.
Game History and Preservation
The Atari ST Public Floppy Database has been launched as an online archive, making classic games and homebrew titles accessible. This initiative aims to preserve the history of the Atari ST platform. A prototype video for Demon's Souls was also mentioned.
"There's a huge amount to be learned" - how the pioneering years of gaming are being preserved for a new generation in a corner of south London
Kingston University is hosting an exhibition called the Archive of Retro Computing (ARC), showcasing over 65 retro computers and consoles from the mid-1970s to the early 2000s. Led by computer science course leader Paul Neve, the collection aims to preserve gaming and computing history, offering insights into the pioneering years of the industry and the individuals behind them. The exhibit highlights the importance of physical media and hands-on learning in an increasingly digital and transient gaming future.
Games Inbox: What will be in the GTA 6 extended look on Netflix?
Readers discuss expectations for the Grand Theft Auto 6 extended look on Netflix, speculating about gameplay footage and potential online components. The discussion also touches on Sony's all-digital PlayStation 5 strategy, Capcom's reboot choices like Onimusha and Dino Crisis, and the overall health and direction of the video game industry, drawing parallels to past industry crashes.
A Forgotten 2005 PS2 Visual Novel Slipped Onto Steam With No Announcement At All
The 2005 PlayStation 2 visual novel compilation My Merry May with be has been quietly released on Steam by MAGES. Inc. without any announcement. While the compilation, which includes My Merry May and My Merry Maybe, is now available in the West, it remains Japan-only with no English translation. This release highlights the challenges of game preservation and localization for older titles.
Game History and Preservation
A discussion on Reddit's r/StopKillingGames subreddit addresses game preservation, refuting claims that proposed legislation would be retroactive. A former lead artist from Bethesda is mentioned in relation to the topic.
Capcom Unfazed By Physical Games Dying Off
Capcom has stated that the decline of physical game sales will not significantly impact the company, as approximately 90% of its sales are now digital. This trend is reflected across the industry, with Nintendo and Electronic Arts also reporting a majority of sales coming from digital downloads. Sony is ending support for physical discs in 2028, citing consumer trends, though experts suggest this shift also relates to control and profitability.
Destiny 2 players are learning how to crack into its infamous content vault by tinkering with old builds
Players of Destiny 2 are discovering ways to access and explore content that was removed from the game through Bungie's controversial content vaulting system. A new tool, Destiny 2 Shadowkeep Singleplayer Exploration Mode, allows users to navigate previously inaccessible areas for preservation purposes, though it does not reintroduce gameplay mechanics.
Xbox 360 games coming to PC allege leaked documents
Leaked documents suggest that Xbox is planning to bring Xbox 360 games to PC, with a gradual rollout expected between 2027 and 2028. The documents also indicate plans for a full launch of original Xbox games on PC by October and a disc-to-digital program for Xbox One and Xbox Series discs.
Games Inbox: Will single-player video games go extinct?
This article discusses the current sales trends of single-player games, with readers expressing concern over their perceived decline in popularity compared to multiplayer titles. The piece also touches on the future of VR gaming, the potential for reboots of classic games like Elite, and the rising costs of GPUs and consoles.
Embrace the great Tech Pause
The article advocates for a 'Tech Pause,' encouraging gamers to appreciate existing hardware rather than constantly chasing the latest expensive technology. It highlights the stagnation in GPU improvements and the rising costs of PCs and consoles, suggesting that older hardware is still capable of playing a vast library of games, including many new releases. The piece also celebrates the advancements in emulation and PC handhelds as more accessible and rewarding avenues for gaming.
'It Would Be a Real Shame for That Culture to Disappear': Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Says Physical Game Releases Must Continue
Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, expressed concern that the discontinuation of physical game releases could lead to the loss of a significant part of gaming culture. This statement follows Sony's decision to discontinue PlayStation 5 disc drives.
God of War creator says Sony's decision to kill PlayStation discs is likely because "the needs of the many…
God of War creator David Jaffe believes Sony's decision to cease PlayStation game disc production in 2028 is a logical move for the majority of users, citing the principle that 'the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.' This perspective aligns with declining physical sales and the increased profitability of digital distribution for publishers, despite concerns about game preservation and ownership.
An All-Digital Future Isn’t The Only Threat To Video Game Preservation
Dragon Age creator Mark Darrah explains that remasters of the first three Dragon Age games are unlikely due to a lack of developers familiar with BioWare's proprietary Aurora engine. This contrasts with the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, which benefited from using the more common Unreal Engine. Darrah also reveals his past plans for a "Champion's Edition" trilogy, which were hampered by studio layoffs and internal disagreements at BioWare.
Microsoft will let devs bring more Xbox 360 games to PC in the coming years via backwards compatibility, leaked document suggests
A leaked document suggests Microsoft plans to allow developers to bring their Xbox 360 games to PC in the coming years as part of an expanded backwards compatibility initiative. Developers will reportedly be able to set prices and decide if these games will be available on Xbox Game Pass, with a gradual rollout expected between 2027 and 2028. The company also appears to be working on a disc-to-digital program for Xbox One and Xbox Series X games.
Games Inbox: Will the Xbox reset work for Microsoft?
Readers express concern over recent price increases for Xbox consoles and PC GPUs, questioning Microsoft's strategy and the future of console gaming. Discussions also touch on Nintendo's Direct presentation approach and the ongoing debate about digital versus physical game sales, with a focus on potential EU intervention regarding Sony's digital store practices.
Xbox and Xbox 360 Games May Come to PC Through Backwards Compatibility – Rumor
A leaked roadmap suggests Microsoft plans to expand its backwards compatibility program to include PC, allowing original Xbox and Xbox 360 games to be purchased and played via the Xbox app and Game Pass. This initiative aims to reactivate dormant titles and reach new audiences on PC and handheld devices, with publishers retaining control over rights and pricing.
Warframe and Anthem leads on the challenges of sustaining online games that go dark
Developers from Warframe and Anthem discuss the complexities of sustaining online games, particularly concerning server shutdowns and the challenges of making them playable post-closure. They highlight the significant technical, security, and financial hurdles corporations face in preserving these titles, contrasting with the demands of movements like 'Stop Killing Games'.
