Video Game History Foundation Claims That 87% of Classic Video Games Are Currently Unavailable

A recent study conducted by the Video Game History Foundation and Software Preservation Network has shed light on the precarious state of video game history. The study reveals that a staggering 87% of classic games released in the US are no longer in print. Only 13% of these games are still accessible, either through re-releases on active platforms or via the use of emulators. This data raises concerns about the preservation and availability of valuable pieces of gaming history.

Importance of preserving video game history

According to the Video Game History Foundation, the study was conducted to address the following:

“While the video game industry and cultural heritage institutions agree that video games should be preserved for both entertainment and study, there is disagreement about whether the commercial market preempts the need for libraries, museums, and archives to expand their preservation activities.”

The research reveals that the accessibility of video games, currently standing at 13%, remains consistently low across different time periods and platform ecosystems. Particularly concerning is the reissue rate, which falls below 3% for games released prior to 1985. This finding highlights that “the interests of the marketplace may not align with the needs of video game researchers.”

The research findings highlight the limitations of relying solely on the commercial market for preserving video game history, particularly for research purposes. It emphasises the importance of initiatives by cultural institutions, such as the establishment of archives or libraries, to ensure the preservation and accessibility of video game history for scholarly and cultural interests.

The Video Game History Foundation took to Twitter, emphasising the need to proactively consider the necessary infrastructure to address present and future challenges in preserving video game history. They emphasised the importance of fostering a thriving ecosystem of preservation. Currently, access to video game history remains limited, with only a small group of dedicated and knowledgeable fans being aware of its availability. Efforts should be made to make video game history more easily accessible to a wider audience.