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 EU won't pursue a mandatory game preservation law
The 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 organisers
The 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 Preservation
This 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 hardware
Sonic 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 Preservation
A 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 Preservation
This 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 Preservation
The 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 Preservation
An 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 Preservation
This 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 Preservation
Native 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 | TAG
A 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 Over
The 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Game History and Preservation
The European Commission has promised a response to the 'Stop Killing Games' petition regarding game server switch-offs before the summer. This discussion highlights ongoing concerns about game preservation and the longevity of digital titles.
Game History and Preservation
A bill aimed at preventing publishers from shutting down online games has advanced in California. This legislation seeks to address concerns about game preservation and the longevity of digital titles.
California lawmakers are working on a bill to preserve access to online games
California lawmakers are developing a bill aimed at preserving access to online games, with guidance from the game preservation group Stop Killing Games. The legislation seeks to ensure players can continue to access and play their digital game libraries.