Game Preservationists Criticize Industry for Lack of Action
Industry figures and preservationists are highlighting the growing challenges of keeping digital and physical games accessible. Concerns are mounting as companies phase out physical media and online services, leaving few legal avenues for preservation. This has led some experts to suggest piracy is currently the only effective method for safeguarding gaming history.
Coverage across 15 outlets
The Toy Maker's Museum, Preservation Challenges, and Splatoon
This article discusses the challenges of game preservation, using Nintendo's Splatoon as an example of a game that faces potential issues with long-term accessibility. The piece explores the difficulties in maintaining older titles for future generations.
Devil May Cry co-creator understands why physical games are dying, but wants IP holders to prioritize game preservation
Devil May Cry co-creator Hideki Kamiya expresses concern over the decline of physical games and the industry's apparent lack of commitment to game preservation. While understanding the shift to digital, Kamiya urges IP holders to ensure older titles remain accessible for future generations, citing examples like PlayStation's phasing out of discs and Microsoft's layoffs.
"Every game is an archaeological expedition." How SNEG preserves gaming's fragile past
SNEG Games Co-Founder Artem Shchuiko discusses the complex process of preserving classic video games, likening it to digital archaeology. The company faces challenges ranging from securing rights from multiple parties and tracking down original developers to reverse-engineering obsolete source code and fixing compatibility issues for modern systems. SNEG aims to remove technical barriers while staying faithful to the original game's identity and spirit.
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.
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.
Game History and Preservation
Developers from Anthem, SpaceCraft, and Warframe discuss the significant challenges of reverse engineering always-online games for preservation purposes. The 'Stop Killing Games' campaign highlights these efforts.
Game History and Preservation
This article discusses the availability of the game Strange Adventures in Infinite Space through the Internet Archive, highlighting its role in game preservation. It also mentions related mod packs available for download.
Game History and Preservation
Discussions around game preservation and the challenges of remaking classic titles like Final Fantasy VI are ongoing. Separately, Giant Bomb explored methods for backing up Sega Saturn games and BIOS using hardware like the Satiator ODE and emulators.
Game History and Preservation
This article discusses game preservation and history, referencing two videos: one on 'Aliens: The Video Game' and another on 'Half-Life' running on a PlayStation 1. The content highlights the importance of archiving and accessing older gaming titles.
Game History and Preservation
This article discusses the importance of game preservation, highlighting the Amiga Freeware Archive as a valuable resource. It touches upon the challenges and significance of archiving digital games for future generations.
Game History and Preservation
This article discusses the challenges of game preservation, highlighting five classic PC games that have become unplayable due to outdated technology or lack of support. It touches upon the broader issue of ensuring historical games remain accessible for future generations.
Game History and Preservation
A teacher has successfully revived the classic game Backyard Baseball, highlighting the importance of game preservation. This effort underscores the challenges and rewards associated with keeping older titles accessible.
Game History and Preservation
The 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 Preservation
Hideo 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 media
Following 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 games
The 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 tried
The 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 Preservation
This 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.