In a stark warning to the gaming industry and consumers alike, veteran game commentator and digital rights advocate Ross Scott has declared a significant portion of our interactive heritage "endangered," facing potential extinction within our lifetimes. Speaking exclusively to GNCA Investigates, Scott dissected the critical issues of game ownership, the fragility of digital rights, and rallied support for a crucial European Union petition aiming to legislate game preservation.
Scott, best known for his insightful "Freeman's Mind" series and his pivotal 2022 video "Please Don't Buy Games At Launch," articulated a growing crisis: the vulnerability of digital games tied to online services. "We've moved far beyond simple 'abandonware' discussions," Scott stated. "We're talking about games that are commercially available right now, but functionally endangered. Their existence hinges entirely on corporate servers and authentication systems. When those get shut down – and they inevitably do – the game effectively vanishes for everyone."
The Illusion of Ownership
A core theme of the discussion was the erosion of true ownership. "When you 'buy' a game digitally today, you're often purchasing a conditional license, not a product," Scott explained. "Platforms like Steam, Epic, or console stores hold immense power. They can revoke access, alter content, or simply remove the game from your library entirely. Compare that to owning a physical cartridge or disc – that tangible object is yours, and the game on it remains playable as long as the hardware functions. That security is vanishing."
This lack of control, Scott argues, creates a precarious situation. Games requiring constant online connectivity, even for single-player experiences, are particularly vulnerable. "Server shutdowns – 'sunsetting' – are a death sentence for these titles. Entire genres, experiences, and pieces of art are lost. It's cultural vandalism enabled by restrictive licensing and technical dependencies."
The "Endangered Games" List and Passive Preservation
Scott highlighted his ongoing "Endangered Games Initiative," which meticulously tracks titles at high risk of disappearing due to online dependencies. This isn't just about obscure titles; major franchises and critically acclaimed games are on the list. "Passive preservation," Scott emphasized, "is the critical step before active archival. It means ensuring the game remains functional before its servers go dark. This requires either removing the online dependency through patches or, crucially, providing players and trusted archives with the tools and legal permission to keep the game running independently."
The EU Petition: A Legislative Lifeline?
The conversation pivoted to concrete action: the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) petition titled "Stop killing games: Support the Right to Own and Preserve Video Games." This ambitious legislative proposal aims to compel game publishers and platform holders operating in the EU to take responsibility for preservation. Key demands include:
- Guaranteed Post-Sunset Functionality: Games must be patched to remain playable offline after official support ends.
- Legal Right to Modify for Preservation: Granting consumers and institutions the explicit legal right to modify games solely to maintain functionality after sunsetting.
- Preservation Archive Access: Ensuring legal access to game data and server software for designated cultural heritage institutions.
"This petition is arguably the most significant current effort to address this crisis at a legislative level," Scott asserted passionately. "It directly tackles the core problems of dependency and legal barriers to preservation. Success here could set a global precedent."
👉 Gamers in the EU: Your voice is critical. Learn more and SIGN the petition here: https://eci.ec.europa.eu/045/public/#/screen/home 👈
A Call to Arms Beyond the EU
While the EU petition is a major focus, Scott stressed the global nature of the problem and the need for broader consumer pressure. He mentioned parallel efforts, like the UK petition seeking similar recognition of game preservation rights, demonstrating the international concern.
👉 UK residents can also make their voices heard: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/702074/ 👈
"The gaming industry operates globally. Pressure in one major market can influence practices worldwide," Scott noted. "Beyond signing petitions, consumers need to be vocal. Demand true ownership models. Question always-online requirements. Support developers and publishers who prioritize preservation-friendly practices. Understand the terms of the licenses you're agreeing to."
The Role of GNCA Investigates
GNCA Investigates has been at the forefront of reporting on digital rights issues within the gaming sphere. Scott commended the channel's dedication to uncovering these complex, often overlooked problems. "Platforms like GNCA are vital for educating consumers and holding the industry accountable. They bring these issues out of niche forums and into the wider conversation."
The Stakes: More Than Just Games
Ultimately, Scott framed the issue as one of cultural preservation. "Video games are a significant art form and a multi-billion dollar industry. They reflect our times, our technologies, and our stories. Allowing them to vanish because of short-sighted licensing or technical decisions is unacceptable. We wouldn't tolerate the systematic destruction of films or books; we shouldn't tolerate it for games."
He concluded with a direct appeal: "This isn't about nostalgia. It's about safeguarding our digital culture for future generations. Sign the EU petition if you can. Support preservation efforts. Demand better from the companies you buy from. The games you love today might be gone tomorrow unless we act."
Watch the full, in-depth interview with Ross Scott on GNCA Investigates:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@GNCAInvestigates 👈
The clock is ticking for countless digital worlds. The fight for the right to preserve and truly own our games has entered a critical phase.
Post a Comment