Game Preservation
Ongoing coverage on Game Preservation.
Latest coverage
"The industry wants people to think this is a demand for eternal server support ... it isn't" - E3 owner and Stop Killing Games clash over Californian games bill
The proposed California consumer protection law AB 1921, which would mandate offline versions or refunds for digital games when online services cease, is facing industry opposition from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). Consumer group Stop Killing Games argues the bill is a reasonable request for basic end-of-life protections, not an unreasonable demand for eternal server support. The ESA claims the bill could stifle innovation and force developers to maintain old systems instead of creating new content.
California bill pushing to keep games playable after server shutdowns "doesn't reflect how games actually work", ESA assert
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) opposes a California bill, AB 1921, that would require game publishers to offer playable versions or refunds when shutting down online game servers. The ESA argues the bill doesn't reflect current game development realities and could stifle innovation. The 'Stop Killing Games' campaign supports the bill, advocating for a fair end-of-life framework for online games.
2024 PS5 Action Game Now Free to Claim on PS Store
Developer Double Eleven has made its 2024 PlayStation 5 action shooter, Blindfire, available as a free download on the PlayStation Store. The company stated this decision was a "gift" to players and a commitment to game preservation, ensuring the title remains playable indefinitely. Blindfire, which initially launched in early access and struggled to gain traction, has received one final update.
An unofficial PC port of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess just released
An unofficial native PC port of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, named Dusk, has been released. This project, built on a decompilation effort that began in 2020, supports PC, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux, offering features like higher framerates, custom models, and various gameplay tweaks.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess finally gets a fan-made PC port, and I can't wait to see what modders do…
A fan-made PC port of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, named Dusk, has been released following years of decompilation efforts. The port offers enhanced features like higher resolutions, uncapped frame rates, and support for mods, with further updates planned by the development team.
Which Handheld Gaming Console Should You Buy in 2026? | TAG
This guide helps consumers choose the right handheld gaming console in 2026 based on their gaming habits rather than specs. It compares the Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck OLED, ASUS ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go S, and budget retro handhelds, outlining the ideal user for each device. The article emphasizes simplicity for the Switch 2, Steam library access for the Steam Deck OLED, and performance for Windows handhelds, while recommending retro devices for nostalgia.
Another shooter flopped after its launch, but this time, it didn’t have to die for it
Despite initial commercial struggles, the online shooter Blindfire has been relaunched as Blindfire: Lights Out, completely free for players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Developer Double Eleven cited a belief in game preservation and player feedback, including new accessibility options, as reasons for the revival.
PlayStation's Lofty Preservation Efforts 'Not Stopping Anytime Soon'
Sony Interactive Entertainment has established a dedicated team, led by Senior Build Engineer Garrett Fredley, focused on preserving PlayStation's historical games and related materials. This initiative aims to archive source code, documentation, and assets, potentially paving the way for future re-releases of legacy franchises like Sly Cooper, Ape Escape, WipEout, and Killzone. Fredley shared that the team's preservation journey is ongoing and has already stored over half a petabyte of data.
"It is frustrating to see policymakers suddenly claim everything is 'for our safety'" - Stop Killing Games joins pushback against age verification laws
Stop Killing Games is joining the pushback against new age verification laws, arguing they are complex to implement and could harm game preservation efforts. Founder Ross Scott stated that these laws could make distributions of Linux illegal in California and have already led to the shutdown of the game Urban Dead. The organization believes these laws do not address the root causes of online harm and disproportionately affect community projects.
ESA Says Bill Pushing For Offline Versions Of Live-Service Games Would Hurt Developers
The Entertainment Software Association is opposing California Assembly Bill 1921, which would require developers of live-service games to provide advance notice of server shutdowns, offer refunds, and potentially make games playable offline. The ESA argues this legislation would divert resources from creating new content and doesn't reflect the realities of modern game development.
Atari acquires the rights to five Wizardry titles
Atari has acquired the exclusive rights to the first five Wizardry games and their intellectual property. The company, under CEO Wade Rosen, aims to become a leading preservationist publisher by bringing these classic Japanese RPGs back to market through digital and physical releases, remasters, collections, and new titles. This acquisition follows Atari's previous purchase of the rights to Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 and its acquisition of preservation studio Digital Eclipse.
More than 10 years after Ubisoft took it down, one of our favorite games of 2010 is back on Steam
The World War 2 real-time strategy game R.U.S.E. has returned to Steam after being delisted for over a decade due to expiring license rights. Developed by Eugen Systems, the game is now available for $30, with Eugen Systems listed as both developer and publisher, indicating Ubisoft is no longer involved. The re-release includes DLC and is verified for Steam Deck support, though old saves are not compatible.
Stop Killing Games, Mozilla, EFF and others release statement urging UK policymakers to keep the web open
Mozilla, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and Stop Killing Games, along with other organizations, have released a joint statement urging UK policymakers to address the root causes of online harm rather than implementing broad internet restrictions. The groups argue that measures like mandatory age verification and access bans could undermine the open web, infringe on human rights, and negatively impact game preservation.
Game History and Preservation
A new NGO called Gamers' Voice has launched in the UK, focusing on game preservation. The article highlights Microsoft's discontinuation of MS-DOS support 20 years ago, while noting that some games, including a prominent roguelike, still maintain compatibility with the older operating system.
MARVEL MaXimum Collection Switch Review – Nostalgic but Flawed Retro Comeback | Invision Game Community
MARVEL MaXimum Collection for Nintendo Switch offers a nostalgic trip back to 1990s Marvel superhero games, including arcade and various console versions of titles like X-Men: The Arcade Game and Spider-Man/Venom: Maximum Carnage. While the collection excels in retro game preservation with modern enhancements like rewind, its overall quality varies significantly between games, with only a few truly holding up today.
"We want to ensure gamers are part of those conversations": Stop Killing Games launch player advocacy group to lobby the UK government
The Stop Killing Games campaign has launched a new UK advocacy group called Gamers' Voice to lobby the UK government on issues such as game preservation, live-service shutdowns, and online safety. The organization aims to ensure that gamers' perspectives are included in policy discussions affecting digital ownership and access to games. Gamers' Voice has already begun engaging with parliamentarians and aims to represent player interests in the UK.
Game History and Preservation
Warcraft 3 has been returned to Battle.net, addressing long-standing concerns about game preservation for the classic title. This move by Blizzard Entertainment ensures players can access and enjoy the game on PC.
Games Inbox: What’s the best video game to play when it’s sunny?
Readers discuss their favorite games to play during sunny weather, with Super Mario Sunshine being a nostalgic pick despite its European release date. Other topics include potential Star Wars Jedi 3 announcements, the feasibility of a large-scale Lord of the Rings RPG from Warhorse Studios, and the challenges of making retro games appealing to modern audiences. The discussion also touches on the Resident Evil movie's accuracy, Microsoft's shifting stance on exclusives, and Roblox fans' rejection of AI graphics.
Game History and Preservation
The difficulty of a specific sewer puzzle in Half-Life 2 has been confirmed to have been adjusted since its original release. This discussion highlights how game design elements can evolve over time, touching upon aspects of game preservation and player memory.
The Daily Grind: Would you start playing an MMO you know is going to shut down?
This article discusses the dilemma of whether players would start an MMORPG that is known to be shutting down soon. It explores the motivation behind experiencing a game before its inevitable closure and questions how long of a window would prompt such an impulse.