The Evolving Landscape of Game Preservation
Reflecting on my teenage years, the game Shoot Many Robots holds a special place in my heart. While it may not have been a groundbreaking title, the joy and laughter it brought me are cherished memories. However, like all things, both the game and I face mortality. Shoot Many Robots was delisted from Steam at the request of its publisher, yet it continues to exist in my Steam library, granting it a form of digital immortality. As time passes, the number of Steam accounts with access to this game remains static, but the ability for others to play it legitimately diminishes. This is due to the stipulations in Steam’s terms of service, which classify the bequeathing of an account as a form of account sharing.
While Steam’s presence in the gaming landscape seems secure for now, the industry’s increasing volatility—marked by the frequent shutdowns of live service games—has sparked a growing consensus that preservation must be prioritized. This sentiment is encapsulated in movements like the ‘Stop Killing Games’ campaign, which advocates for the protection of digital gaming heritage.
In contrast, platforms like GOG offer a more favorable approach to game ownership after death. GOG specializes in DRM-free titles, providing offline installers that theoretically allow users to retain access indefinitely. Moreover, GOG permits users to bequeath their libraries to heirs, provided there is valid proof of death. Yet, even GOG acknowledges the murky waters surrounding legal guidance on video game preservation, highlighting the lack of established standards and precedents in this domain.
This evolving conversation reflects a broader demand from gamers for more robust frameworks governing game ownership. While physical media may not serve as a universal solution, the pursuit of sustainable digital alternatives is essential to ensure that future generations can inherit and enjoy these digital treasures. As we navigate this complex landscape, the challenge remains: how do we strike a balance in a world where DRM is unlikely to vanish entirely?
