With PlayStation's recent announcement that it will cease support for physical disc releases starting in 2028, the conversation surrounding game preservation has intensified. During a recent shareholder meeting, Square Enix addressed questions regarding its commitment to keeping original versions of its games playable on modern systems, though its response suggests a limited scope for traditional preservation efforts.
When asked about the future of its older titles, Square Enix explained that its strategy is determined on a case-by-case basis. "How we enable customers to enjoy a game after service depends on the nature of the title," the company stated in its official response. The publisher pointed to the Nier series as an example, noting that it shares information via official livestreams, while for other projects, it preserves cutscenes on video streaming platforms.
The Limits of Current Preservation Efforts
The company confirmed it intends to "create pathways befitting each title" to ensure players can experience them after a service ends or a story concludes. However, the reliance on streaming platforms for cutscenes or community-led information sharing has drawn criticism from those concerned with the long-term accessibility of interactive software.
The issue is particularly significant for Square Enix, given its extensive library of mobile games, spin-offs, and software dating back decades. As physical media becomes increasingly scarce, the ability to play original versions of games—rather than just newer remasters or ports—often rests entirely on the publisher's willingness to keep them available.
The Risk of Delisting
The industry has already seen instances where base versions of games are removed from storefronts, often to encourage consumers to purchase updated or "soft remaster" editions. Without specific consumer legislation, such as the initiatives proposed by groups like Stop Killing Games, players remain at the mercy of publisher discretion. If a company decides to deactivate or delist a title, that piece of gaming history may effectively vanish from official distribution channels.
While the backlash against the transition to a digital-only future for physical media remains high, Square Enix’s comments reflect a reality where preservation is often viewed as secondary to revenue generation. As the industry moves away from physical discs, the debate over who holds the responsibility for maintaining access to past software—the publisher or the consumer—is likely to continue.