Hideki Kamiya, the renowned creator of Bayonetta and director of Resident Evil 2, emphasizes the importance of game preservation over the debate between physical and digital games. In a recent interview, he expressed that he no longer purchases physical games, highlighting a shift toward digital formats.
Kamiya’s primary concern lies with whether game publishers will ensure the longevity and accessibility of games for future generations. He pointed out the growing issue where many classic titles aren’t playable on modern hardware, stressing the need for IP holders to take responsibility in making these games available beyond gameplay—also preserving their cultural significance.
This perspective reflects a broader industry trend where publishers are re-releasing and remaking older games, allowing new players to experience them and longtime fans to reconnect without the hassle of outdated technology.
Additionally, initiatives like the Stop Killing Games movement and the Video Game History Foundation are working to safeguard games for future generations. The former seeks legal frameworks to maintain server support for live-service games post-official support, while the latter focuses on collecting and educating about video game history.
Despite these movements, there is still considerable pushback against the transition to an all-digital future, with some lawmakers even pursuing legal action against companies like PlayStation for potentially anti-competitive practices related to ending physical disc production.
