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 PreservationA 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 PreservationThe 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 PreservationThe 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 PreservationThe 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 WokenessA 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 PreservationThe 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 PreservationA 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 gamesCalifornia 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.
- Game History and PreservationA video game industry lobby group, previously opposed to library-led preservation efforts, is now pushing back against the 'Stop Killing Games' initiative. The group argues that such efforts could hinder the development of new games, features, and technologies.
Game industry lobby group that argued against preservation efforts from libraries is now pushing back on Stop Killing Games, saying it could prevent 'new games, features, and technology'The game industry lobby group ESA is pushing back against the 'Stop Killing Games' initiative, arguing that preservation efforts could hinder the development of new games and technologies. This follows similar arguments made by Video Games Europe, which warned of increased development costs and potential exposure to unsafe community content. The ESA has a history of lobbying against game preservation efforts, including past arguments against DMCA allowances for libraries.- The video games industry wants to keep killing games, actuallyThe 'Stop Killing Games' initiative is advocating for legislation like California's AB 1921, the Protect Our Games Act, to prevent video games from becoming unplayable when online services are shut down. The Entertainment Software Association is lobbying against the bill, arguing that games are licensed, not owned, and that server maintenance is complex. The initiative counters that the proposed law offers companies options like patching games for offline play or issuing refunds, rather than demanding perpetual server support.
- Game History and PreservationThe owner of E3 and the organization Stop Killing Games are in disagreement regarding a Californian bill focused on game preservation. The E3 owner argues that the demand for such legislation is not driven by a need for eternal server support, but rather by broader preservation concerns.
- Game History and PreservationA 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.
- 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.
- Game History and PreservationThe creators of the Evercade retro gaming console are developing handheld versions of the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64. This initiative highlights ongoing efforts in game preservation for classic computer systems.
- Game History and PreservationThe article discusses the history and preservation of video games, highlighting Zork's 1980 code and the development of "Super SNES," a modern emulator created by the original developers. It touches on the importance of preserving classic titles and the technology behind them.
- Game History and PreservationTwo classic Nintendo games from the early 1990s, Super Mario Bros. 3 and The Legend of Zelda, are receiving surprise physical re-releases this fall. Additionally, a rare Nintendo game has been restored after over 50 years, highlighting ongoing efforts in game preservation.
- Game History and PreservationSega has launched Sega Universe, a project aimed at reviving its older intellectual properties beyond just video games. Separately, Peter Molyneux has commented on the Fable reboot, with details emerging via IGN. These initiatives highlight a growing focus on game preservation and IP utilization within the industry.
- Game History and PreservationThe 'Stop Killing Games' movement is celebrating after The Crew 2 received further support for an offline mode. This development is seen as a victory for game preservation advocates concerned about titles becoming inaccessible when online servers are shut down.
Steam Collector Becomes Digital Archaeologist, Preserving Games Lost to TimeA Steam user's collection of delisted games highlights the fragility of digital libraries and the growing importance of game preservation. This act of collecting serves as a reminder of how easily digital content can disappear from storefronts due to expired licenses or corporate decisions. The article discusses the challenges of digital ownership, the role of collectors as unintentional archivists, and the broader implications for gaming culture and history.