Video Game History Foundation founder Frank Cifaldi has stated that piracy is currently the only reliable method for preserving video games, largely due to game companies’ unwillingness to maintain access to legacy content or support legal archiving efforts. Cifaldi’s remarks follow Sony’s announcement that all PlayStation games will transition to a digital-only model by 2028, raising concerns about the long-term accessibility and preservation of these titles. He emphasized that most games released in the last two decades are already digital, and many require downloads even if purchased physically. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has opposed copyright exemptions that would allow museums and archives to preserve abandoned games, thereby limiting preservation efforts. The Foundation criticized the ESA for hindering reform of digital rights management (DRM) legislation and noted that the Library of Congress has an inadequate process for software preservation.
Why It Matters
This issue highlights a growing concern in the gaming industry regarding the preservation of digital content. With the shift to digital-only formats, many classic games may become inaccessible if servers are shut down or if licensing agreements change. The ESA’s resistance to legislative changes aimed at facilitating digital preservation reflects broader challenges faced by cultural institutions in safeguarding digital heritage. Historically, physical media provided a tangible means of preservation, but as the industry moves away from this model, the need for effective legal frameworks becomes increasingly urgent to ensure that future generations can access and study these cultural artifacts.
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