Preservationists are on a mission to keep the charm of physical media alive, and they are finding innovative ways to do so, even with modern PC games. It turns out that shiny new titles can be transferred onto discs and cartridges, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite experiences in a tangible format. Enthusiasts have been known to use SSDs as makeshift retro console cartridges for PCs, but Archades Games, led by Ryan Enstrom, is taking this concept a step further by offering a variety of options.
Innovative Solutions for Game Preservation
At the recent Utah Retro GameXpo, attendees had the opportunity to see Enstrom’s booth, which showcased an array of discs compatible with popular platforms like Steam, GOG, and the Xbox app. For those unable to attend, YouTuber Keegbots provided a detailed 7-minute explanation of how this process works, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The first item on display from Archades Games utilizes GOG’s DRM-free and offline installers, a method that the storefront has actively encouraged. Enstrom explains that the process is straightforward: simply place the installer in a designated folder, set up a traditional autorun script, and burn it to a disc. “GOG is the best way to go since they’re all DRM-free,” he notes, emphasizing the importance of adhering to licensing agreements. While other storefronts were also represented, Enstrom reassures users that he is not interested in circumventing DRM protections.
While solid-state drives (SSDs) are often touted as the best storage option, Enstrom points out that most games released before 2020 can still run smoothly from mechanical drives. The key challenge lies in ensuring that each game’s respective storefront can effectively interact with external media. Surprisingly, the Xbox app has proven to be quite adept at this task.
“The Xbox app is a lot nicer than it used to be,” Enstrom claims. “It can dynamically detect drive changes, so when you insert a disc, it recognizes the game is installed and will run it. If you remove it, the app acknowledges that the game is no longer available.” This feature stands in contrast to Steam on Windows, which often mistakenly assumes that games remain installed even when they are not present.
Enstrom’s dedication to this physical PC game project is evident, as he has even developed a custom user interface for multi-carts, such as the Metal Gear Solid collection. Additionally, he has created custom Blu-rays that package retro games along with their respective ROMs, allowing for automatic installation and launch. These creations are intended strictly for personal use, but they echo the nostalgic experience of loading games in a manner reminiscent of classic consoles.
While these discs and cartridges are not currently available for sale, there is potential for publishers to adopt this idea, potentially reviving physical PC games. This could serve as a bold statement against the trend of digital-only releases, especially as discussions about the future of physical media continue. For those looking to transform their digital collections into physical formats, Archades Games offers a wealth of video tutorials and resources to guide them through the process.
Projects like Archades Games inspire hope that the gaming community will not let physical media fade into obscurity. Whether you’re considering converting your digital games into physical discs and cartridges or prefer the convenience of downloads, the conversation around game preservation remains vibrant and engaging.
