Preserving Classic Video Games
New Study Says 87 Percent of Games Released Before 2010 Critically Endangered
We didn't just inscribe a Super Nintendo Emulator because it's awesome, although that was part of it. There's actually a very real issue at hand - the preservation of classic video games. This initiative is not just a nod to nostalgia but a response to the alarming findings of a recent study by the Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) and the Software Preservation Network. Their research indicates that a staggering 87% of video games released in the United States before 2010 are now critically endangered, a situation that poses a significant threat to digital gaming heritage.
Our decision to inscribe a Super Nintendo Emulator on Bitcoin Ordinals stems from a deep concern for this issue. By leveraging the immutable and permanent nature of blockchain technology, we aim to provide a secure method of preservation, ensuring that these games have the highest chance of survival. This innovative approach not only immortalizes the emulator but also offers a potential blueprint for safeguarding other endangered digital artifacts.
The VGHF study categorizes thousands of titles into ecosystems of varying degrees of preservation attention – abandoned, neglected, and active. The study's alarming finding is that less than 20% of games from before 2010 are currently accessible, underscoring the urgency of our preservation efforts. This decline in accessibility has been further accelerated by the closure of several digital storefronts, highlighting the fragility of our digital gaming heritage.
Our project acknowledges the complexities surrounding copyright laws and encourages individuals to make backups of ROMs in a manner that complies with local regulations. This approach is crucial for ensuring that these games can be enjoyed by future generations.
The report by VGHF and the Software Preservation Network highlights the significant role that libraries and archival institutions could play in preserving video game history. However, their efforts are often hindered by stringent copyright laws, especially the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The cultural heritage sector's push for DMCA exemptions to facilitate video game preservation has been met with resistance from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), citing potential financial harm to publishers.
This effort aligns with the broader movement in the gaming community to acknowledge and address the scarcity of classic games. As the VGHF report urges, it's imperative for the industry to recognize that the commercial market alone cannot solve the issue of game preservation. Our project, along with others like Limited Run Games' reissuing of classic titles, signifies a growing commitment to preserving our digital gaming heritage for posterity.
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