Most of the classic video games may be lost forever – Kommersant

American Video Game History Foundation explored accessibility of classic video games to modern gamers and concluded that only about 13% of games released before 2010 can now be legally purchased. The Foundation believes that the situation is even worse than with silent films, from which 14% of all released films can be watched legally.

The study took into account only the experience of the United States: there, in order to find original copies of games or consoles, you either need to look for them in special libraries and collections around the country, or engage in piracy and download copies of games illegally, as well as use emulators. Most often, technical and licensing problems prevent old games from remaining available. Only the most popular retro games are re-released on modern platforms.

The Video Game History Foundation believes that digital archives should be allowed not only to store, but also to share classic games that are now unavailable with everyone. This is opposed by the Entertainment Software Association, citing US copyright laws. New hearings on easing laws are due in 2024.

Evgeny Fedunenko