The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) recently conducted a survey that reveals the challenges faced in preserving video games, particularly in Australia. The findings suggest that the issues are more severe in Australia than in other countries. According to the survey, over 96 percent of classic Australian games are “critically endangered,” which is worse than the 87 percent of pre-2010 games in the US.
Respondents identified several obstacles, such as legal and technical access issues, lack of dedicated staff, and insufficient funds. Patrick McIntyre, CEO of the NFSA, emphasized the importance of preserving video games as a cultural industry. He warned that without an international preservation effort, games could face a fate similar to the loss of pre-1929 films.
The technological challenges in preserving video games are significant. Unlike digitizing a TV episode, which results in a single large file, keeping a video game involves dealing with thousands of individual files and proprietary software. Ironically, older physical games are more preservable than modern digital-only releases.
Australia is somewhat ahead in game preservation efforts, with a consensus among institutions to prioritize this work.
Australian video game preservation challenges
The NFSA has a strong relationship with the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association, Australia’s peak video game industry body.
Jon-Paul Dyson, director of the International Center for the History of Electronic Games at The Strong Museum in New York, co-authored the survey. He highlighted the complexity of preserving video games and the need for necessary staff and equipment. Dyson also noted that Australia is a model for other countries due to the collaborative efforts of museums, archives, government, and industry.
Chris Arneil, curator of video games at the NFSA, presented the survey results at The Strong Museum of Play in New York. He emphasized that some games are already lost forever, particularly early iPhone app store games that can no longer be re-downloaded and played on current devices. The Queensland-based Halfbrick Studios, creators of Fruit Ninja, have added the classic version of their game to the NFSA archives.
CEO Shainiel Deo explained that preserving their games is now part of their development process, although accessing older versions remains challenging. The NFSA’s efforts underscore the importance of video game preservation as an integral part of cultural heritage. The industry’s challenges require collaboration and support from various stakeholders to ensure that the history of video games is not lost forever.
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