Recent Developments with the digital age rendering many classic games inaccessible as servers shut down and physical media deteriorates. Here’s a look at some of the latest developments in this field:

Stop Killing Games Initiative
Following Ubisoft’s decision to shut down servers for “The Crew,” making the game unplayable even for those with physical copies, YouTuber Ross Scott launched the “Stop Killing Games” initiative. This campaign seeks legislative protections to prevent developers from rendering games unplayable once support ends. It’s particularly relevant in regions with strong consumer protection laws like France, where Ubisoft is based. The initiative has gained significant traction, highlighting the urgency of game preservation in the era of always-online games.

GOG Preservation Program

GOG (formerly Good Old Games) has launched the GOG Preservation Program with the goal of maintaining classic PC games playable indefinitely. Starting with over 100 titles, this program commits GOG’s resources to ensure these games remain compatible with modern and future systems. Titles like “Diablo”, “System Shock 2”, and “Fallout: New Vegas” are part of this initiative, ensuring they are DRM-free and come with offline installers, thus truly preserving them for gamers. I recently bought a few games myself like Stranglehold, Thief 2 and Deus Ex GOTY that only costed me below 3$ for the entire bundle.

Legal and Copyright Battles

The U.S. Copyright Office recently denied a request for a DMCA exemption that would have allowed libraries to share digital access to preserved video games remotely. This decision stems from concerns raised by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) about potential recreational use of these preserved games, highlighting a significant obstacle in the path of game preservation. This has sparked disappointment among preservation advocates, as it limits academic and cultural access to gaming history.

Community and Institutional Efforts

Video Game History Foundation (VGHF): Their ongoing work includes supporting efforts like the denied DMCA exemption. They continue to advocate for better preservation practices and have been involved in initiatives to make game history more accessible, such as their digital library project.
National Diet Library in Japan: Despite having an extensive collection of games, access is severely restricted, leading to underutilization of this resource for preservation and study. This situation underscores the global challenge of balancing copyright with preservation.
Public and Community Projects: Grassroots movements and fan initiatives, like the attempt to preserve “Nier Reincarnation” through “Accord’s Library,” face legal challenges from copyright holders, showcasing the complex relationship between fan preservation efforts and legal frameworks.

Industry Responses

Nintendo: Known for its stringent copyright enforcement, has taken legal action against emulation projects like Yuzu, impacting preservation efforts for their games. However, they’ve also made moves to keep some titles accessible through their online services.
Microsoft: Has shown commitment by maintaining backward compatibility for Xbox games and establishing a dedicated game preservation team, setting a positive example in the industry.

Ending ~

While there are strides being made towards game preservation, with companies like GOG taking proactive steps, the landscape remains challenging. Legal hurdles, the commercial interests of game publishers, and the complexity of modern game architecture continue to pose significant barriers. However, with community advocacy, legal battles, and corporate initiatives, there’s hope for a future where gaming’s rich history is not lost but celebrated and studied.

For those passionate about game preservation, supporting initiatives like GOG’s program, engaging in discussions about policy changes, or contributing to community preservation projects are ways to ensure that the legacy of video games endures.