New Study Reveals Alarming Number of Classic Video Games at Risk of Disappearing
Despite the video game industry being worth billions of dollars, a new study has found that nearly nine out of 10 classic video games in the United States are critically endangered. The study, conducted by the Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) in partnership with the Software Preservation Network, focused on games released before 2010, which the VGHF identified as the year when digital game distribution began to take off.
The study revealed that 87 percent of these classic games are not currently available and are considered critically endangered due to their widespread unavailability. One example highlighted in the report is the 2006 game “Yakuza” on PlayStation 2, which has been remade as “Yakuza Kiwami” in 2016. However, the VGHF argues that the remake should be considered a separate title since the original game is no longer in print.
The lack of availability of these classic games poses a significant challenge for fans and researchers alike. The study found that just 13 percent of game history is currently archived in libraries, making it difficult for anyone to effectively study the history of video games. Laws around the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) further complicate the preservation of video games, as they largely prevent the making and distribution of copies of DRM-protected digital works. Video games are explicitly excluded from exemptions issued by the U.S. Copyright Office, making it nearly impossible to preserve and study game history.
Kelsey Lewin, co-director of the VGHF, compared the situation to having to find a used VHS tape and maintain vintage equipment to watch a movie like “Titanic.” She emphasized the need for better preservation efforts, especially considering the size of the video game industry, which is valued at $180 billion.
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has consistently opposed preservation efforts, including copyright permissions and allowing the rental of digital video games. The ESA argues that the industry is already doing enough to keep classic games in release, pointing to the thriving reissue market. However, this market only covers 13 percent of video games, leaving the majority at risk of disappearing.
The study’s findings will be presented in a 2024 copyright hearing, where the VGHF hopes to advocate for exemptions for games. If successful, this could lead to games being available on digital library apps like Libby, providing better access to classic titles. The full 50-page study can be accessed on the open repository Zenodo.
How can the video game industry and wider public work together to ensure the preservation and accessibility of video game history
Station 2, which is not available for digital purchase or download.
The findings of this study raise concerns about the preservation and accessibility of video game history. Without proper preservation efforts, these classic games may be lost forever, depriving future generations of the opportunity to experience and study their cultural significance.
The VGHF and the Software Preservation Network are working together to address this issue by promoting the preservation of classic video games. They aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving video game history and are advocating for initiatives, such as legal and policy changes, that support preservation efforts.
In addition to the potential loss of cultural artifacts, the study also highlights the missed economic opportunities in not making these classic games available for purchase. With the video game industry continuously growing, there is a market for re-releasing and remastering popular classic games. By not making these games available, developers and publishers are missing out on potential revenue streams.
This study serves as a wake-up call to the video game industry and the wider public about the importance of preserving video game history. It urges all stakeholders to come together and find solutions to ensure that classic video games are not lost to time. Whether through legal changes, collaborative preservation efforts, or increased awareness, action must be taken to protect these valuable pieces of cultural heritage.
This article highlights a troubling reality – the fading away of classic video games in the U.S. It’s disheartening to know that nearly 90% of these cultural icons are facing extinction. We should strive to preserve and celebrate these games, as they shaped an entire generation’s love for gaming.