this post was submitted on 15 Nov 2024
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GOG Launches Preservation Program for Timeless Classics | Retro Gaming News 24/7 (www.retronews.com)
submitted 11 hours ago by ktec@lemmy.zip to c/retrogaming@lemmy.world
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Overview

GOG, the popular digital distributor of video games on PC, has announced their Preservation Programme, designed to safeguard and modernize over 100 iconic titles. This initiative aligns with GOG’s commitment to preserving gaming history.

Details

  • Titles Featured: Over 100 classic games including Heroes of Might & Magic III, Diablo + Hellfire, Fallout: New Vegas, and System Shock II will be included in the programme.
  • Modernization: The preserved titles have undergone updates, optimizations, and technical support to ensure smooth performance on modern systems such as Windows 10 and 11.
  • Access: Games are accessible DRM-free with additional features like downloadable content, manuals, and ongoing technical support.

Impact

The Preservation Programme is a significant step towards protecting these timeless classics for future generations. It aims to preserve games facing the risks of technological obsolescence while making them more accessible to contemporary gamers.

According to GOG’s managing director Maciej Golębiewski, the foundation of GOG lies in preserving classic games, and this program is an extension of that commitment.

Conclusion

GOG's Preservation Programme represents a vital effort to maintain gaming history by addressing the challenges posed by technological progress.

Do you think this move from GOG will inspire other companies to do more for game preservation?

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[–] MudMan@fedia.io 11 points 9 hours ago (1 children)

Yeah, I've been confused about this. They are basically branding the games they don't own but are supporting out of pocket, if I understand correctly.

So no, they don't own Resident Evil 1, 2 and 3, but they did the work to make them run on modern PCs, so they are now flagging them as part of their preservation program. I don't think it goes beyond that, but it's useful to have a flag for them, I suppose. It may make it easier to sell the idea to publishers or whatever.

[–] Kelly@lemmy.world 4 points 7 hours ago (1 children)

The GOG library has been building since 2008, when Vista was the current windows version.

Some titles that worked at some point over the last 16 years may have some developed issues on modern hardware, drivers, or operating systems.

This program is at least confirming it works on windows 10/11 and common 2024 hardware

[–] MudMan@fedia.io 0 points 6 hours ago

That's fair, I hadn't considered the scenario of a bunch of old GOG-supported games needing updates.

I mean, in my defense that's because a lot of the older catalogue is just running under DosBox, but there's definitely more finicky stuff in there as well.