In a remarkable turn of events, Epic Games, the creators of the now legendary games Unreal and Unreal Tournament, have granted permission to OldUnreal.com to host not the original games in question, but their installer which patches the games so that they can be run on modern operating systems. The two games represent major turning points in the history of electronic gaming. This decision stands in contrast to recent actions by companies like Nintendo and Sony, who have taken steps to remove older games from digital archives, raising concerns about the future accessibility of classic games.

Released in the late 1990s, Unreal and Unreal Tournament were pivotal in shaping the first-person shooter genre. Over time, as technology advanced, running these games on contemporary systems became increasingly challenging. Recognizing the dedication of the gaming community, Epic Games granted OldUnreal access to the original source code, allowing them to develop patches that address compatibility issues and introduce enhancements. These patches, such as the 227j update for Unreal, offer bug fixes, security improvements, and support for modern graphics and sound hardware.

Generally speaking, there is a gulf of disagreement between the gaming communicty and the publishers regarding the balance between protecting intellectual property and preserving gaming history. Critics argue that removing access to older games without providing alternative means of availability risks the loss of cultural artifacts. Supporters of these actions contend that companies have the right to control the distribution of their creations and protect their commercial interests.

By permitting OldUnreal to host and distribute these patches, Epic Games demonstrates at least some commitment to preserving gaming history. This collaboration ensures that players can continue to enjoy these classic titles without resorting to unauthorized copies or emulators.

In contrast, companies like Nintendo and Sony have adopted more restrictive policies regarding their older titles. Nintendo, known for its stringent protection of intellectual property, has issued takedown notices to platforms hosting unauthorized copies of its games. For instance, archives of Nintendo Power magazine were removed from the Internet Archive following such actions, and they have famously sued the makers of Yuzu for $2.4 million, and filed DMCA takedowns of Nintento Switch emulation software such as Yuzu and Riuzu on Github, removing hundreds or thousands of branches of the code.

Similarly, Sony has delisted several classic games from digital storefronts, limiting access to titles that are no longer in active circulation.

The collaboration between Epic Games and OldUnreal highlights the positive impact of community-driven preservation efforts. By supporting fan initiatives, companies can ensure that their classic titles remain accessible and functional on modern systems. This approach not only preserves the games themselves but also fosters a sense of community and shared history among players.

In contrast, the removal of older games from digital archives without offering legal alternatives can lead to increased reliance on unauthorized copies and emulators. This not only poses legal risks for users but also undermines efforts to preserve gaming history in a structured and accessible manner.