New study reveals most classic video games are completely unavailable

  • TerryMathews@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Yeah, I don’t even know if piracy is the right word for it when you take Copyright within it’s proper historical context.

    Copyright existed as a bargain: the force of law protects your work for an exclusive period, and once that period is over, the work becomes part of the Public Domain for all to enjoy. It was originally set at 14 years with an optional one-time 14 year renewal.

    Most of the games we’re talking about should be Public Domain by now. Like most everything in America today, the rich have managed to shift the balance significantly in their favor.

    • cyborganism@sh.itjust.works
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      1 year ago

      That’s why piracy is the only workaround right now. I understand this goes against the law, but how else are we going to archive this software when the media it’s on fails over time?