Game Preservation
Ongoing coverage on Game Preservation.
Latest coverage
Stop Killing Games Gains Momentum After Bill Passes California State Assembly Vote
The Stop Killing Games movement has achieved a significant victory as a bill protecting video games from being taken offline has passed the California State Assembly. This development marks a crucial step in ensuring the longevity of digital games.
The Games That Defined Our Childhood: A Generation-by-Generation Guide | TAG
This guide breaks down distinct gaming generations within the millennial demographic, highlighting the defining consoles, cultural moments, and games for those born between 1984 and 1998. It explores the impact of console wars, the rise of online multiplayer, and the unique experiences of growing up with different gaming eras, from the SNES and Genesis to the N64, PlayStation, PS2, and Wii.
California State Assembly Passes 'Protect Our Games Act'
The California State Assembly has passed Assembly Bill 1921, known as the Protect Our Games Act, with a vote of 43 to 16. This legislation requires games released after January 1st, 2027, to provide at least 60 days notice before shutting down essential support, offer an offline playable version, or issue full refunds. The act excludes free-to-play and subscription-based games, among other exceptions, and now moves to the California State Senate.
Game Pass success story: It turns out that when you make things cheaper, more people will buy them
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma indicated that reducing the price of Game Pass has led to improved subscriber acquisition and retention, reversing a trend of slowing growth and accelerated subscriber loss following a significant price hike in October 2025. While the price reduction is seen as a positive first step, Sharma acknowledged that restoring durable growth will require ongoing effort, with potential future strategies including an ad-supported tier for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Stop Killing Games-backed bill that'd bar publishers from switching off game servers without thinking of players passes California State Assembly vote
A bill in California, backed by the Stop Killing Games campaign, has passed the State Assembly and is moving to the State Senate. The legislation would require publishers to offer refunds or playable offline versions of games when shutting down online servers. The Entertainment Software Association opposes the bill, while a similar EU petition is awaiting a response.
Game History and Preservation
A bill concerning game preservation, referred to as 'Stop Killing Games,' has passed a floor vote in California. This legislative development indicates a growing focus on ensuring older video games remain accessible.
25 '90s Games That Hold Up Perfectly Today (And Where to Play Them) | TAG
This article identifies 25 video games from the 1990s that remain enjoyable for modern players, distinguishing between titles that hold up with no caveats and those that require specific versions or adjustments. It highlights how 2D pixel art generally ages better than early 3D graphics and provides information on where each game can be legally played today.
Game History and Preservation
The classic Windows game 3D Space Cadet Pinball is receiving a physical re-creation, highlighting the ongoing discussion around game preservation. This initiative brings attention to the challenges of maintaining access to older digital titles.
Another live service game crashes as Sony switches off servers for PS5 exclusive Destruction AllStars
Sony has shut down multiplayer servers for the PlayStation 5 exclusive Destruction AllStars due to ongoing technical issues, effectively ending online support months ahead of the planned November 25th shutdown. The game has also been removed from the PlayStation Store, though single-player modes will remain accessible with potential impacts from the server closure.
Before PlayStation and Nintendo, There Was Intellivision
Antstream Arcade is making classic Intellivision games playable on modern devices, including titles like Astrosmash and Shark! Shark!. This initiative aims to preserve and provide access to influential early console games, with new challenges and tournaments being introduced. CEO Steve Cottam highlighted the Intellivision's pioneering role in gaming history and Antstream's mission to bring these timeless experiences to a new audience.
The Paradox of Too Many Games: Why Finding Your Next Favorite Is Harder Than Ever - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
The abundance of games available on PC, particularly on platforms like Steam, has created a 'discovery problem' where players struggle to find new titles due to decision paralysis. Current storefront algorithms and discovery tools are insufficient for navigating massive catalogs, leading to a reliance on manual curation and community recommendations. Furthermore, the issue of game preservation is highlighted, with a significant percentage of older games becoming inaccessible through legitimate channels, further complicating discovery for players seeking unique experiences.
Build a Permanent Fortress & Stop Griefers!
Shell Sphere Studios has launched the open beta for its multiplayer survival builder game, The Infinite Expo, on Roblox. The beta introduces key features like anti-grief territorial protection, cross-server permanent base saving via a Blueprint System, and an ASMR-inspired mining system. The game is free-to-play and compatible with PC, mobile, tablet, gamepad, and VR devices, with a full release planned for Summer 2026.
Retro fantasy slashers Witchaven and Witchaven II: Blood Vengeance get delisted in June
Publisher SNEG has announced that the classic fantasy slashers Witchaven and Witchaven II: Blood Vengeance will be delisted from digital storefronts on June 15th. No specific reason was provided for their removal, but both titles are currently available at a discounted price on GOG and Steam. This delisting is seen as another loss for video game preservation.
Games Inbox: Is Destiny 2 a dead game now?
Readers discuss the current state of Destiny 2, with one questioning if it's a 'dead game' due to Bungie's handling of content and vaulting. Other topics include the timing of summer gaming showcases, Nintendo's pricing strategy, Sega's revival of old franchises, and the decline of traditional game announcements.
Game History and Preservation
The article discusses the legal implications and technical possibilities of using Blu-ray drives to rip games from older consoles like the GameCube, Wii, and Xbox. This technology could potentially aid in game preservation efforts, allowing for digital archiving of classic titles.
Fugitif 31 - A rather unique sci-fi Amstrad game see's the light of day as a reboot!
The retro Amstrad game Fugitif 31 is being rebooted with significant enhancements, including a fully functional heads-up display and overhauled gameplay mechanics. The original developer, Frédéric Mantegazza, has also successfully reverse-engineered and released the game's historic preservation materials after losing the source code decades ago. The reboot will feature English and Spanish translations, making the previously French-exclusive title accessible globally.
Retro Gaming in 2026: The Complete Guide to Playing Classic Games Legally | TAG
This guide explores legal options for playing retro games in 2026, noting that only 13.27% of classic US games released before 2010 are still commercially available. It details subscription services like Nintendo Switch Online and PlayStation Plus Premium, digital storefronts such as GOG and Steam, and physical collector's options including Analogue and Evercade hardware. The article also addresses the legalities of emulation, emphasizing that while emulators are legal, downloading ROMs for games one does not own is copyright infringement.
Game History and Preservation
The article touches on the topic of game preservation, referencing a PC Gamer piece about discovering old big-box PC games from the 1990s. It highlights the nostalgic and historical value found in physical game collections.
'The Most Important Thing Is People Can Play at Launch': Gothic PS5 Remake Misses the Mark with Mandated Download
Early physical copies of the PlayStation 5 remake of Gothic 1 require a mandatory day one download of around 5GB to be playable offline, despite the packaging not indicating this. Developer Alkimia Interactive stated the download ensures players can experience the game at launch, but concerns have been raised about game preservation and the implications of requiring updates for offline play.
EU Politician Muddies Waters On “Stop Killing Games” With Rant On Wokeness
A European Union parliamentary debate on the "Stop Killing Games" movement, which advocates for publishers to keep games online after purchase, was sidetracked by Slovakian politician Milan Uhrik. Uhrik focused on "wokeness" and "aggressive monetization," citing Assassin's Creed Shadows as an example of forced political correctness. The discussion also touched upon Ubisoft's decision to shut down The Crew and the industry's perspective on games as a service.