GOG Faces Challenges in Preserving Multiplayer Game Legacies

Polish digital game shop GOG has dedicated itself to restoring classic games that have become unplayable due to outdated technology. Since its establishment 17 years ago, GOG has evolved, integrating modern classics into its catalog. However, a new challenge has emerged in the realm of game preservation: the fate of fallen multiplayer games.

This week, EA officially shut down the servers for BioWare's multiplayer game, Anthem, rendering it permanently inaccessible. The shutdown raises concerns about the preservation of player experiences and the years of development invested in such games. Could GOG one day reclaim and restore these lost titles?

In an interview, GOG's managing director, Maciej Gołębiewski, remarked, “Game preservation is a very complicated riddle.” He highlighted the three key issues at play: intellectual property rights, technical challenges, and establishing commercially viable restoration options.

“Resurrecting multiplayer titles is very complex, and the discussion is becoming more prevalent among regulators and gamers.”

A pivotal part of this conversation is driven by movements like Stop Killing Games and its European counterpart, Stop Destroying Games. These groups are advocating for governmental regulations to prevent live service games, such as Anthem, from disappearing. The shutdown of Ubisoft’s co-op driving game, The Crew, sparked this initiative.

“What does an end-of-life cycle look like? What is fair for a game?” Gołębiewski questioned. “Should a game just be buried, leaving developers unable to revisit their work?” This complex discussion initiated by Stop Killing Games stems from a growing frustration within the gaming community.

“We want to ensure that games can last forever,” he continued. “However, imposing too many restrictions on creators regarding the lifecycle of a game could discourage them from developing new titles.”

Potential solutions exist; for instance, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League implemented an offline mode to keep players engaged despite halting development. Yet, Anthem’s nature as a multiplayer-only game complicates preservation, as it relies on players interacting with one another.

One proposed solution is to allow players to host their own servers. Reports suggest that private servers for Anthem were functional shortly after launch. Nonetheless, for this to work, EA would need to provide the community with the necessary code, which seems unlikely.

It's crucial to consider Gołębiewski's point regarding the commercial viability of resurrecting games. EA's decision to shut down Anthem was driven by low player numbers, questioning whether a game restoration service like GOG would assume similar financial risks for a title that lacks classic status.

Recently, GOG concluded its partnership with CD Projekt, focusing on game restoration and preservation, while potentially exploring indie game publishing in the future. Despite these shifts, GOG remains committed to its mission of providing DRM-free gaming experiences.