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

The concept of remotely accessing a game from a bygone era, such as Atari 2600's Combat, via a modern gaming device, highlights the complex web of interoperability and convenience in today's gaming landscape. This juxtaposition of old and new sparked a conversation with Antstream CEO Steve Cottam about the service's approach to retro game streaming. Cottam emphasizes that Antstream's primary goal is to provide accessibility to a wide range of games, noting that while some titles could be easily downloaded, others, such as those from the PlayStation era, require more data. He explains that the decision to stream games, rather than relying on emulation, was partly driven by the need to address piracy concerns and ensure consistency across different devices. By using cloud streaming, Antstream can offer a future-proof system where players can access games without worrying about emulators or downloads. Cottam also highlights the importance of supporting creators, many of whom are individual developers who have retained the rights to their games. To keep the service fresh, Antstream has licensed around 3,000 games, with approximately half currently available on the platform. The company plans to continue expanding its library, potentially moving into the PlayStation 2 era and beyond. In addition to new games, Antstream is focusing on creating engaging experiences through challenges and special modes that offer a new twist on classic titles. These challenges have significantly increased player engagement, with some games seeing a seven-fold increase in playtime. The service also features weekly tournaments, which attract thousands of players. Cottam believes that cloud streaming is the future of gaming, enabling a more accessible and flexible experience for players. He envisions a future where game choices are no longer limited by hardware or console, and services like Antstream can continue to evolve and innovate. Ultimately, Cottam's goal is to preserve classic games by making them relevant and engaging for new audiences, ensuring their continued enjoyment for years to come.