The Video Game Industry's Legacy at Risk: Can Preservation Efforts Keep Up?

The video game industry has a unique ecosystem for each generation, with iconic consoles like the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii evoking nostalgia in many. However, for some, the Commodore 64, launched in 1982, is a defining era in gaming history. This eight-bit computer was instrumental in shaping the industry, with approximately 10,000 titles created during its 12-year lifespan. Unfortunately, playing these classic games today is a significant challenge due to the abandoned ecosystem. Only 4.5% of Commodore 64 games are commercially available, with the majority of the library inaccessible. This issue is not unique to the Commodore 64, as only 13% of games released between 1960 and 2009 are currently available. The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) notes that less than 3% of games released before 1985 are still in print, highlighting the dire state of video game preservation. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) claims the industry is committed to preserving its legacy, but VGHF's findings suggest otherwise. The report highlights the neglect of the Game Boy family, with only 5.7% of Game Boy, 2.7% of Game Boy Color, and 7.5% of Game Boy Advance titles available today. The industry's efforts to commercialize classic games, such as the PlayStation 2, are not enough to address the preservation gap. The VGHF emphasizes that the industry cannot be expected to carry the responsibility for preserving every video game, and libraries and archives need more tools to get the job done. The ESA has lobbied against expanding access to archival game collections, citing concerns about the market for authorized retro games. However, experts argue that preservation is essential for understanding the history and culture of video games. Classic games lack convenience features, making them distinct from modern games. Designers like Christopher Mitchell and Armando Troisi emphasize the importance of preserving classic games, citing their unique mechanics, narrative design, and cultural significance. The VGHF recommends that the industry build bridges with cultural institutions to address the preservation gap. Rather than relying on remakes, adapting classic games for use on other platforms can be a viable approach to preservation. The industry must acknowledge that the commercial market alone cannot solve the preservation problem and work with libraries and archives to preserve its legacy. By doing so, the industry can ensure that its rich history and cultural significance are preserved for future generations.