Square Enix Discusses Game Preservation Amid Industry Changes

Game preservation is a pressing issue in the gaming industry, especially following Sony's announcement to halt physical disc production for new PlayStation titles by 2028. This topic emerged prominently during a recent shareholders' meeting at Square Enix, where the company addressed concerns regarding the availability of its classic games.

During the meeting, a shareholder pointed out that while Square Enix is actively publishing remakes, a significant portion of its original titles remain inaccessible on modern platforms. Additionally, many live-service games and mobile-only titles, which pose challenges for preservation without publisher support, have been discontinued. The shareholder sought clarity on Square Enix's policy for maintaining the availability of its media.

In response, Square Enix acknowledged the complexities involved in preserving games post-service. The company highlighted that their approach varies depending on the game. For example, they mentioned that for titles like the NieR series, they share relevant information through official livestreams. they preserve cutscenes on video platforms for other games.

Square Enix concluded by affirming their commitment to finding methods to keep their titles accessible, stating, "We will continue to create pathways befitting each title to ensure that players are able to enjoy them even after service has ended or the story has reached its end." However, this response has sparked debate within the community. Critics argue that simply uploading cutscenes to YouTube does not equate to a robust effort in game preservation, especially when compared to making the games playable on current systems.

Take the NieR series, for instance; while the remastered version of the first title is available on platforms like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the original remains elusive. The Kingdom Hearts franchise presents similar challenges. The Game Boy Advance iteration of Chain of Memories is still confined to its original cartridges, with only the PlayStation 2 remake included in the 1.5 Remix collection. Notably, two entries in the franchise, 358/2 Days and the mobile game X, are available only as cutscene compilations in the Kingdom Hearts collections, raising questions about preserving gameplay experiences.

While some exceptions exist, like the difficulties of porting the DS game 358/2. there is an increasing expectation for companies to ensure that fans can access and enjoy their cherished titles.

As the gaming scene progressively shifts toward digital formats, it is essential for industry leaders, including Square Enix, to prioritize both preservation and physical media. Collectors and enthusiasts are encouraged to support physical purchases when possible and advocate for better accessibility to their favorite games. The future of beloved titles may hinge on these efforts and demands from the gaming community.