The Video Game History Foundation argues that scarce commercial availability for titles released before 2010 risks turning many into digital relics. A recent study by the foundation sheds light on this trend and has been reported by GamingBolt in a version that highlights the practical implications for collectors and researchers alike.
The foundation examined how feasible it is to buy games released prior to 2010. It found that a striking 13% of these titles are still attainable for free through offline stores or legitimate online marketplaces. The remaining 87% are effectively out of reach for casual buyers and may only be accessed through auctions, museum collections, or unauthorized sources. This gap raises questions about how games from earlier eras will be preserved and experienced by future generations.
The challenge spans a wide range of iconic platforms, including the PlayStation 2 released in 2000, the Game Boy dating back to 1989, and the Commodore 64 from 1982. The problem is not limited to a single console or era but reflects a broader pattern in how early digital entertainment is managed and retained for posterity.
When considering commercial usability, the foundation draws a parallel between classic video games and historical media such as silent films and wartime diaries. The reality today is that only a small fraction of these materials remains readily accessible. Specific examples show that roughly 14% of archival films and about 10% of personal diaries are accessible without visiting a specialized archive or museum. This comparison underscores the fragility of cultural artifacts when licensing, distribution, and format access become fragmented.
One of the principal hurdles identified by the foundation is licensing. The rights to older game projects are often fragmented across multiple companies, with overlapping claims that complicate re-release or digital distribution. In practice, this means many games cannot be legally offered for sale again, even if there is a clear desire from fans, scholars, and institutions to preserve them. Copyrights, publisher changes, and licensing renegotiations can create barriers that outlive the original development teams and their audiences.
In a related note, there was news about a high profile initiative from a major publisher that hinted at a new, big budget project featuring a well known superhero. This development illustrates how the commercial landscape around classic and contemporary franchises can shift quickly, influencing how older titles are valued and considered for revival or adaptation. The shifting dynamics of licensing, brand strategy, and platform availability all play a role in whether a game from the pre-2010 era can reach modern players again. The stake is not only nostalgia but also the educational and historical value embedded in early interactive media.
For researchers, librarians, and archivists, these findings emphasize the need for proactive strategies to safeguard game history. Approaches may include formal preservation programs, standardized archiving practices, and clear licensing pathways that balance copyright with public access. Communities dedicated to game history argue that proactive conservation helps ensure that classic games can serve as teaching tools, case studies in digital preservation, and cultural touchstones for future generations. In practice, that means partnerships among creators, rights holders, museums, libraries, and educational institutions to establish sustainable routes to access and study these works.
Moreover, ongoing dialogue between industry players and the preservation community can help align commercial incentives with cultural stewardship. Initiatives that support emulation, certified restorations, and controlled re-releases can provide legitimate access while respecting the interests of rights holders. As the landscape of digital media evolves, a balanced approach becomes essential to keep foundational games from slipping into obscurity while still honoring legal and economic realities.
Ultimately, the conversation around pre-2010 video games is about more than market availability. It touches on how societies value digital culture, how they define preservation responsibilities, and how they balance access with sustainable business models. The Video Game History Foundation’s work highlights a critical gap that deserves attention from policymakers, scholars, and the broader gaming community. By recognizing the fragility of access today, stakeholders can chart a course that protects the past while enabling informed, responsible enjoyment of interactive media for years to come. In the end, preservation is a collective effort that preserves not just games but the memories, innovations, and stories they carry with them, as well as the context in which they shaped the evolution of play. [Citation: Video Game History Foundation study on pre-2010 titles]” ,