The gaming industry is worth a billion dollars. Still, many classic video games risk being lost as time progresses, particularly those exclusively available in physical formats before they are distributed in the digital era.
In a collaborative effort, the Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) and the Software Preservation Network have joined forces to release a comprehensive report addressing the alarming trend of disappearing classic video games. Classic refers to games launched before 2010, a year that marked the significant rise of digital game distribution.
Accessing these classic games presents limited alternatives, but there are a few other options: find vintage collectible games, travel across the United States, or resort to piracy. Unfortunately, none of these options are favorable, leaving most video games out of reach for anyone except for the most passionate and steadfast gaming enthusiasts.
The study has revealed that 87% of these classic games are missing, primarily due to their limited availability.
For instance, the study includes the case of Yakuza, released for PlayStation 2 in 2006. Despite a 2016 remake, the VGHF states that this later version is a distinct remake, created entirely anew, and thus should be treated as a separate title.
Complicating the situation further is the stringent regulation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), effectively inhibiting the creation and distribution of copies for any digital rights managed (DRM) content.
An exemption has been granted by the US Copyright Office, permitting research institutions and libraries to archive digital materials. Unfortunately, video games remain mainly overlooked in this instance.
While libraries have certain preservation privileges, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has consistently opposed initiatives aimed at game preservation.
The findings from the VGHF study are scheduled for a copyright hearing in 2024. The primary objective is to advocate exemptions for video games.
