VANISHING GAME LIBRARIES

     The debate between having a digital or physical library of games is always a fun discussion, but recent events have tilted things in the direction of physical. The demise of Telltale, and the subsequent delistings of their catalogue of games, goes to show the dangers of going all digital in the modern age. While digital is absolutely more convenient and space efficient, one never has to worry about being able to play and access their physically owned games. Game delistings have risen in the past few years, with notable games being effectively wiped from existence, unless one had already purchased the game. In some instances, even having the game purchased did not save the game. For example, Minecraft Story Mode by Telltale has been delisted and, unless one already downloaded the game, it can’t be played it at all. This is a dangerous precedent for the future, especially when many smaller companies make their games available only via digital downloads. The idea of having games that’ve been purchased and owned, being taken away is concerning and not a positive future for gaming. Physical copies are generally more expensive, but at least the game remains playable as long as it is owned.