The Crisis of Video Game Preservation: A Race Against Time
In the ever-evolving world of video games, each generation has its defining era and ecosystem. For some, it’s the Playstation 2 or the Nintendo Wii, while others hold dear the memories of the Commodore 64. Launched in 1982, this eight-bit computer left an indelible mark on gaming history with its popular titles like Castle Wolfenstein, Ghostbusters, and Buggy Boy. However, accessing these classic games today has become a daunting task due to the alarming decline in their preservation.
An Abandoned Ecosystem: The Commodore 64
Despite being hailed as one of the most influential platforms of its time, the Commodore 64 has seen a significant decline in the availability of its games. According to a landmark research study by the Video Game History Foundation (VGHF), only 4.5% of Commodore 64 games are still in commercial circulation today, rendering the majority of its library completely inaccessible. This unfortunate reality extends beyond the Commodore 64, with just 13% of titles released between 1960 and 2009 being commercially available.
“Classic games have a distinct point of view compared to their contemporaries, and it would be a huge shame to lose the perspective they offer”
Armando Troisi, My.Games
The ramifications of this crisis in video game preservation go beyond nostalgia and entertainment. Classic games offer a unique perspective on the industry’s development, showcasing innovative ideas and mechanics that may remain untapped in modern games. Armando Troisi, from My.Games, highlights the importance of preserving these games’ distinct point of view compared to their contemporaries, as they contribute to the understanding and evolution of gaming culture.
The Battle for Video Game Preservation
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) claims that the industry is actively preserving its own legacy; however, the VGHF’s research paints a different picture. The report identifies the Game Boy family as a “neglected” ecosystem, with a mere fraction of Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance titles available today. Even the Playstation 2, deemed an “active” ecosystem, only has 12% of its titles commercially accessible.
The ESA insists that video game preservation can be accomplished without jeopardizing copyright laws. However, VGHF’s findings suggest that the industry’s preservation efforts have been insufficient. With digital game distribution becoming more prevalent, the delisting of titles has accelerated. Major digital stores like those of PlayStation and Nintendo have shut down, leaving countless games effectively lost.
Preservation Projects and Legal Battles
Despite the challenges, several initiatives are emerging to combat the decline in video game preservation. Delisted Games chronicles vanished titles, aiming to uncover what happened to each game in its archive. Meanwhile, Old Games Download allows users to upload files to Internet Archive servers for eternal preservation and access, though copyright disputes often hinder these efforts.
The legal battles faced by projects like the Internet Archive demonstrate the complexities of preserving historical media. Book publishers and the music industry have sued the non-profit organization, leading to a ruling that deemed their digital library a breach of copyright. These legal challenges hinder the broader preservation of video games and other media forms.
The Role of Libraries and Archives
The Video Game History Foundation believes that libraries and archives can play a crucial role in video game preservation. While the industry prioritizes commercial interests, libraries and archives are uniquely positioned to undertake preservation efforts. However, they face legal restrictions that prevent them from digitally sharing preserved games, unlike other forms of media protected under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
Christopher Mitchell, a veteran game designer, believes that intellectual property holders should embrace the cultural significance of classic games. Mitchell envisions a future where these games can be legally played online, acknowledging their contribution to global gaming culture and their status as pillars of human thought, comparable to books and music.
Bridging the Gap: Collaboration and Innovation
VGHF calls for a collaborative effort between the video game industry and cultural institutions. Recognizing that the commercial market alone cannot meet the preservation needs, the report suggests that the industry should work together with libraries and archives. This partnership would bring more tools and resources to bear on the preservation crisis, preventing the loss of countless classic games.
While remakes can be a solution, Armando Troisi advocates for a different approach that involves adapting classic games for new platforms, like combining Space Invaders with augmented reality. He emphasizes that the games industry’s constant innovation and progress should not come at the cost of losing its roots and the foundation of global gaming culture.
Preserving Gaming History: A Race Against Time
The crisis of video game preservation presents a race against time to save the industry’s cultural heritage. The decline in accessibility to classic games not only limits our understanding of gaming history but also stifles future game development. It is crucial for the video game industry to acknowledge the severity of this issue and collaborate with libraries, archives, and preservation initiatives to ensure the preservation of video games for generations to come.
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