The Video Game History Foundation and the Software Preservation Network have recently conducted a study on the availability of classic video games and the results are quite alarming. The study reveals that a staggering 87% of these games are critically endangered in the United States. In comparison, only 13% of video game history is being represented in the current marketplace. This means that accessing classic games is incredibly difficult and options are limited to finding collectible games and hardware, visiting libraries, or resorting to piracy. Outdated copyright laws are hindering institutions like libraries from preserving video games, unlike their ability to preserve books, movies, and audio. The study aims to push for expanded exemptions that would allow libraries and organizations to preserve video games more effectively. The hope is that this study will prompt change and lead to stronger video game preservation efforts before more of gaming history is lost.
https://gamehistory.org/87percent/