As the gaming industry rapidly evolves, a major challenge emerges: how do we preserve classic video games for future generations? Unlike books or films, which have established archival processes, video games are interactive, software-dependent, and often tied to outdated hardware or online services — making digital preservation a complex task.

Many iconic games from the 1980s and 1990s, including those on early consoles like the NES or Sega Genesis, are already difficult to access legally. Even titles from the early 2000s, such as MMOs that relied on specific servers or online infrastructures, have been lost due to discontinued support. When a game disappears, a piece of cultural history disappears with it.

Fan communities and archivists have taken preservation into their own hands. Emulators, ROMs, and community-run servers have helped keep older titles playable, though these efforts often exist in legal gray areas. Museums and academic institutions are also starting to recognize games as culturally significant artifacts. The Library of Congress, for example, has begun archiving games as part of its digital collections.

Game companies, on the other hand, have been slow to prioritize preservation — often due to licensing issues, outdated code, or lack of profit incentive. However, initiatives like the Internet Archive and remastered collections (like Halo: The Master Chief Collection) show there is growing interest in keeping gaming history alive.

Preserving video games isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about protecting a form of art, innovation, and storytelling. As the medium matures, it’s essential that we treat classic games with the same care we afford to books, music, and film.