Game Preservation Efforts Face Industry Resistance and Regulatory Hurdles
The Video Game History Foundation argues piracy is the only current preservation method due to industry practices. Meanwhile, the European Commission declines to mandate game preservation laws, opting for industry discussions. California's 'Protect Our Games' act advances, aiming to keep digital titles playable despite industry opposition.
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- Game History and PreservationThe article discusses the history and preservation of video games, touching on the upcoming shutdown of a Mario Kart game and the broader implications for game preservation. It highlights concerns about digital game longevity and accessibility.
- Game History and PreservationHideo Kojima expressed concern about the future of game preservation following Sony's decision to end physical disc production for PlayStation. This move raises questions about long-term access to games and the potential loss of digital titles.
- The Video Game History Foundation sees piracy as the future after PlayStation’s abandonment of physical mediaFollowing Sony's announcement of closing digital storefronts for PlayStation 3 and PS Vita, and ceasing physical disc production by 2028, the Video Game History Foundation has criticized the move. Director Frank Cifaldi stated that piracy is currently the primary method of game preservation, as the industry trade organization refuses to offer legal alternatives for preserving digital-only content.
The Video Game History Foundation calls on the ESA to offer "meaningful solutions" for preserving digital-only gamesThe Video Game History Foundation, through its director Frank Cifaldi, is urging the Entertainment Software Association to develop meaningful solutions for preserving digital-only games. Cifaldi highlights that physical media is becoming obsolete and even digital patches render physical copies unrepresentative of the final product, calling for legal frameworks to aid archives and museums in preservation efforts.
Game preservation expert says stop killing games if you don't want piracy, because companies like PlayStation and Rockstar "refuse to offer a meaningful alternative"Game preservation expert Frank Cifaldi argues that companies like Sony and Rockstar Games are contributing to piracy by refusing to offer alternatives to digital-only or soon-to-be-discontinued physical game formats. Cifaldi, director of the Video Game History Foundation, stated that piracy is currently the only effective form of game preservation due to industry practices.
'They refuse to offer a meaningful alternative': Game preservation leader agrees that piracy is the only…Frank Cifaldi, director of the Video Game History Foundation, agrees that piracy is currently the only effective method for game preservation, especially with Sony's planned discontinuation of PlayStation 5 discs in 2028 and the closure of older digital storefronts. He criticizes the industry for not providing legal alternatives for preservation institutions, despite acknowledging the problem.- The EU commission punts on Stop Killing Games but it seems they can’t stop the movement even if they triedThe European Commission has punted on the 'Stop Killing Games' initiative, indicating a delay in regulatory action. Despite this setback, the article suggests that the movement for game preservation is strong and unlikely to be stopped by such delays.
- Game History and PreservationThis article discusses the ongoing issue of game preservation and the "Stop Killing Games" initiative. It highlights concerns about digital games being delisted or becoming unplayable over time, impacting access to gaming history.
- The EU won't pursue a mandatory game preservation lawThe European Commission has stated it will not pursue a mandatory law for video game preservation. The commission cited existing copyright and intellectual property laws as sufficient, indicating no new legislation is planned.
The European Commission will not legislate Stop Killing Games, but the campaign isn't dead yet, say its organisersThe European Commission will not legislate to mandate that video games remain playable after commercial support ends, citing intellectual property rights. Instead, they will initiate discussions with the industry and consumer representatives to create a code of conduct for managing game 'end of life' and raise awareness about existing consumer rights. The 'Stop Killing Games' campaign plans to continue advocating for similar protections through the European Parliament's Digital Fairness Act.- Game History and PreservationThis article discusses the importance of game preservation, referencing content from Accursed Farms and Stop Killing Games. It criticizes the ESA for alleged misinformation regarding industry practices and the ongoing issue of games being delisted or made unplayable.
- Sonic Team head says he wants every Sonic game playable on modern hardwareSonic Team head Takashi Iizuka expressed a desire to make every Sonic game playable on modern hardware, addressing fan requests for better backward compatibility. This initiative aims to preserve the franchise's legacy and make its extensive library accessible to new and returning players.
- Game History and PreservationA politician behind a California bill aimed at preventing the shutdown of online games acknowledges that enforcement will be challenging. The bill, supported by the organization Stop Killing Games, seeks to address issues surrounding game preservation.
- Game History and PreservationThis article discusses the ongoing trend of game remakes and sequels, questioning the necessity of so many remakes. It touches upon the broader topic of game preservation in the industry.
- Game History and PreservationThe article discusses the history and preservation of games, specifically mentioning the Total Replay version 6.01 and an Apple II anthology. It highlights the importance of preserving gaming history for future generations.
- Game History and PreservationAn opinion piece by Entertainment Software Association CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis argues that a California bill could negatively impact the online video game industry. The article focuses on the potential harms to game preservation efforts and the broader industry landscape.
- Game History and PreservationThis article discusses the ongoing issue of game preservation and the efforts by gamers to prevent titles from being permanently shut down. It highlights the industry's practices that lead to games becoming inaccessible over time.
- Game History and PreservationNative PC ports are increasingly becoming the preferred method for preserving older video games, gradually supplanting emulation. This shift highlights a growing trend in how the industry approaches game history and accessibility.
Game Preservation Matters: Why Classic Games Are Disappearing | TAGA significant portion of classic video games, estimated at 87% released before 2010, are no longer commercially available due to delisting and lack of preservation efforts. The US Copyright Office's denial of a petition for remote access for researchers highlights a systemic issue, with the industry lobbying group ESA actively opposing preservation. Organizations like the Video Game History Foundation and GOG are working to combat this cultural catastrophe, advocating for legal reform and offering DRM-free options.
'This Policy Doesn't Reflect How Games Actually Work Today': Stop Killing Games Gets Big Win, But the Fight Is Far from OverThe consumer movement Stop Killing Games has achieved a significant victory as the California State Assembly passed the 'Protect Our Games' act, which aims to prevent publishers from permanently disabling games by shutting down servers. The bill proposes requiring publishers to provide advance notice of server closures and ensure playable single-player modes indefinitely for commercially available titles. However, the Entertainment Software Association argues the proposal is not feasible and could hinder the development of new games and technology.