Game Preservation
Ongoing coverage on Game Preservation.
Latest coverage
Dungeon Runners Reborn rogue server goes into open alpha 17 years after the MMO sunsetted
Dungeon Runners Reborn, a rogue server project aiming to revive the defunct MMO Dungeon Runners, has entered an open alpha state 17 years after the original game's sunset. The development team has spent years reverse-engineering the original server backend and is now seeking an official license from NCsoft.
Recension – Onimusha: Way of the Sword - Fångad av en samurajvind
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is a stylish action game that blends samurai combat with elements reminiscent of Sekiro and classic Resident Evil. It features intense boss fights, particularly against the memorable Sasaki Ganryu, and utilizes Capcom's RE Engine for impressive visuals and sound design. The game runs well on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, with the Switch version even incorporating unique motion controls.
The Steam 'teraleak' extends far beyond Valve games, including prototypes of third-party titles like Mafia 2 and Grand Theft Auto 3: 'This may be one of if not the biggest leaks to occur'
A massive 12-terabyte data leak, dubbed the 'teraleak,' has exposed Valve's internal servers, containing not only prototypes of Valve games like Portal 2 and Half-Life 2: Episode 3 but also numerous third-party titles released on Steam between 2003 and 2013. The leak includes game depots, trailers, demos, and soundtracks, with game preservationists identifying builds for games such as Mafia 2, Grand Theft Auto 3, and Civilization V. The inclusion of significant third-party content makes this leak legally perilous.
Metal Gear Solid 4's DLC might only be saved thanks to the uncelebrated work of fan preservationists
Fan preservation efforts, particularly the SaveMGO project, may have been instrumental in the inclusion of original DLC content in the Metal Gear Solid 4 re-release within Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2. The SaveMGO community's work in keeping the game's multiplayer accessible has been officially recognized within the game's files, highlighting the crucial role of fan-made preservation.
I'm excited for Stage Tour, but Rock Band 4 will take a lot to beat
Rock Band 4 remains the last active title from the plastic-instrument rhythm game era, a decade after its release. Despite challenges with peripheral availability and music licensing, the game continues to receive weekly track additions and maintain an active online community. While Fortnite Festival offers a new Harmonix experience, it does not fully replace the legacy or song library of Rock Band 4.
Our favourite stories of the week: GTA 6 finally shows its hand, a Cyberpunk C64 and Alien Breed returns
This week's gaming news highlights include the highly anticipated extended trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6, showcasing gameplay footage on PlayStation 5. Other notable stories include the return of Alien Breed with a 35th Anniversary Collection, Atari resurrecting classic Activision games as physical cartridges, and a unique Cyberpunk 2077-themed Commodore 64 computer. Additionally, The Witcher 3 is receiving a remaster and new expansion, while the first-person shooter Bodycam is praised for its innovative approach to core mechanics.
Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2 Review – I Am No Hero
Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2 brings Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and Metal Gear: Ghost Babel to modern platforms, with MGS4 receiving its first release outside of PlayStation 3. The collection offers a 4K/60fps presentation for MGS4 and Peace Walker, significantly improving visuals and reducing load times, though Metal Gear Online 2 is notably absent. While lighter on content than Vol. 1, the quality and historical significance of its included titles make it a worthwhile purchase for fans and newcomers alike.
Games Inbox: Was the GTA 6 Netflix show a disappointment?
Readers express mixed feelings about the Grand Theft Auto 6 extended preview, with some finding it dull and others impressed by the graphics. Discussions also touch upon the decline of physical media, digital refund policies, and the overall direction of the games industry.
GameStop wants you to "trade in gaming history" for new games, and I need you to tell them no
This opinion piece argues against GameStop's "trade in gaming history" campaign, urging players not to trade in retro consoles and games. The author highlights that GameStop offers low trade-in values while reselling items at inflated prices, potentially leading players to regret parting with valuable collections. The article advocates for preserving retro gaming hardware and enjoying classic titles over newer releases.
Xbox discs will now grant digital access to games as part of Microsoft's self-proclaimed 'broader commitment…
Microsoft is launching a new program for Xbox Insiders that allows physical game discs to grant digital access to titles, enabling play without the disc in the tray. This initiative is framed as a commitment to game preservation and aims to help players transition their libraries. The feature will initially support thousands of titles and offers access via Xbox Play Anywhere and Cloud Gaming.
James Pond creator tells remaster dev to 'choke on an AI-generated fishbone'
James Pond creator Chris Sorrell has strongly criticized System 3 and Gameware Europe's upcoming James Pond Legacy collection, accusing them of using AI-generated art and exploiting the brand. Sorrell denies any involvement and condemns the alleged use of AI over paying developers. System 3 has denied using generative AI, stating the artwork was created using traditional digital illustration and 3D rendering.
Xbox announces disc-to-digital feature that lets you digitise physical Xbox One and Series X games
Xbox has announced a new disc-to-digital feature allowing players to convert physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X games into digital licenses. This feature, available for testing to Xbox Insiders starting August 31st, aims to enhance game preservation and provide greater flexibility for players. The digital entitlement means discs will no longer be required for play and enables benefits like Play Anywhere on PC and cloud streaming where supported.
Blue Dragon has been stuck on the Xbox 360 for 20 years, but no longer: a fantastic unofficial PC port unlocks the FPS,…
An unofficial PC port named re:Blue has been released for the Xbox 360 JRPG Blue Dragon, developed by Mistwalker. This fan-made project allows the game to run natively on modern PCs, offering features like 4K resolution, unlocked frame rates, and improved graphics, addressing the long-standing issue of the game being unavailable on current platforms.
Rockstar Games 'heartbroken' by Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks
Rockstar Games has expressed being "heartbroken" by the recent leaks of Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay footage. The company stated that the leaks are not how they intended players to see the game and apologized for the delay in official reveals. The leaks have continued despite Rockstar Games' legal efforts to identify the source.
Xbox officially announces disc to digital program
Xbox has officially announced a new "Disc to Digital" program that will allow players to convert their physical game discs into digital licenses. This feature, launching first for Xbox Insiders on August 31, will enable users to run compatible Xbox One and Xbox Series X games digitally, unlocking access to Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Cloud Gaming. The initiative is presented as part of Xbox's commitment to game preservation.
Xbox responds to Sony physical media debacle with new disc-to-digital feature
Microsoft is introducing a new disc-to-digital feature for Xbox One and Xbox Series X owners, allowing them to claim digital entitlements for supported physical games. This initiative aims to enhance game preservation and provide digital benefits like Xbox Play Anywhere and Cloud Gaming. The feature will initially be available to Xbox Insiders before a wider release, while Microsoft also announced a limited edition Xbox Series X25 console for $899.99.
Xbox to let Insiders convert physical game discs into digital entitlements later this month
Xbox Insiders will begin testing a disc-to-digital feature on August 31, allowing owners of supported physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X games to claim a digital entitlement. This initiative aims to enhance game preservation by providing digital access to owned physical titles. While thousands of games will be supported at launch, not all titles will be included, and only one digital license can be generated per disc.
Xbox announces disc-to-digital conversion plan as part of its "commitment to game preservation," and while it's a good idea the red flags have me scared
Microsoft announced a new disc-to-digital conversion feature for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, allowing players to claim digital entitlements for physical discs. While framed as a commitment to game preservation, concerns are raised about potential licensing issues and a possible shift towards an all-digital future, contrasting with PlayStation's approach.
Your Discs. Now Also Digital.
Microsoft is introducing a new feature for Xbox Insiders that allows players to claim digital entitlements for physical disc-based games. This initiative aims to enhance game preservation and provide greater flexibility by enabling access to digital benefits like Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Cloud Gaming for supported titles across Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles.
Games Inbox: What was the best game at Opening Night Live 2026?
Readers discuss their impressions of Opening Night Live 2026, with many highlighting The Witcher 3 Remastered as a surprise standout. Other topics include reactions to Gears of War: E-Day, sympathy for a Grand Theft Auto 6 leaker, and the potential impact of boycotts against Sony.
