Preserving the Past to Build the Future: Antstream's Vision

The concept of playing classic video games through a streaming service like Antstream Arcade raises interesting questions about technology, accessibility, and the future of gaming. Recently, we had the opportunity to explore Antstream Arcade and ponder the implications of using modern technology to play retro games. This led to a conversation with Antstream CEO Steve Cottam about the service, its goals, and the challenges of preserving the past while building for the future. Cottam emphasizes that the primary motivation behind Antstream is to make classic games accessible to everyone, regardless of device or location. He notes that while some might question the need to stream small, retro games, the service's collection includes titles from various eras, including the PlayStation era, which requires more substantial data. The decision to stream games rather than offer them for download was partly driven by the need for consistency across different devices and the desire to alleviate concerns over piracy. Cottam acknowledges the complex issue of piracy in the context of retro gaming, recognizing both its historical role in keeping classic games alive and the unfairness of creators not receiving compensation for their work. Antstream's approach to addressing this involves offering a legal platform where game owners can earn money based on playtime. To keep the service fresh and engaging, Antstream has introduced features like achievements and special challenge modes for classic games. These challenges offer a new twist on old favorites, significantly increasing player engagement. For example, challenges might ask players to survive for as long as possible in Asteroids without firing or play Pac-Man with reversed controls. The success of these challenges is evident in the increased playtime and the community's response, with thousands participating in weekly tournaments. Cottam believes that such features not only make classic games more appealing to new audiences but also provide a way to preserve these games by making them relevant. Looking to the future, Cottam is optimistic about the role of cloud streaming in gaming, citing its potential to address current limitations such as hardware constraints and storage space. He envisions a future where game choices are no longer limited by the device or console owned, and services like Antstream can continue to evolve and offer new experiences. Ultimately, Cottam's goal for Antstream is to create a service that preserves classic games by making them engaging and accessible to everyone, ensuring their relevance for generations to come.