The US Copyright Office has denied a request to allow remote access to out-of-print video games, a decision that impacts video game preservation efforts. The request, supported by the Video Game History Foundation and the Software Preservation Network, aimed to let libraries and archives digitally share these games with researchers. However, the Copyright Office ruled against it, citing potential market harm and copyright concerns.Key PointsDenial of Exemption: The request sought an exemption under the DMCA to enable remote access to preserved games. The Copyright Office found that proponents did not sufficiently demonstrate that such uses would be noninfringing or fair.Opposition

The US Copyright Office has denied a request to allow remote access to out-of-print video games, a decision that impacts video game preservation efforts.

        • @SplashJackson@lemmy.caEnglish
          2•5 months ago

          "I was there, in those dark days. I was leading the charge, on my hoverbike, jumping over chasms filled with brains, narrowly avoiding flashing arbitrarily-placed rock slabs. I fought and killed a giant rat. But I lost my brother, the big pimply galoot he was. To this day, every time I close my eyes, I can hear that beat. The beat of Battle.

          Toads."

    • @LovableSidekick@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1•5 months ago

      Yes, if only the copyright office couldn’t block content from passing through wires and airwaves. Curse their inexplicable yet absolute power!

  • Dr. WeskerEnglish
    33•5 months ago

    It’s really important to keep offline archives of video games, so that despite this bullshit, there are still copies to circulate.

    • @yamanii@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4•5 months ago

      Yeah, but the problem is that it is now the only medium singled out from remote access, you can remotely rent books and movies.

      • Dr. WeskerEnglish
        1•5 months ago

        Right, but I’m just saying the archival must continue regardless.

  • Nytixus
    13•5 months ago

    Pirating it is, assholes. If you’re going to make this an official ruling, then stop attacking gamers that pirate out of print games when they acquire them.