UNC Greensboro game preservation project back on track after Trump funding cuts
A game preservation research project at the University of North Carolina Greensboro has regained momentum following a reversal of funding cuts. Dr. Colin Post, assistant professor of information, library, and research sciences, had been developing research exploring how libraries can preserve and provide access to digital video games.
The project faced disruption when the Trump administration rescinded previously awarded funding across multiple sectors including science, arts, humanities, and museum grants. Post’s grant had been designated to fund a virtual games and libraries conference, intended to bring together librarians, game developers, publishers, and industry professionals to discuss the development and implementation of library game collection programs.
Post emphasized the critical importance of institutional preservation efforts, noting that commercial entities cannot be relied upon for long-term preservation. “We can’t trust Sony, we can’t trust Microsoft to preserve things,” he stated, highlighting why systematic, library-based approaches to digital game preservation are necessary.
The project’s return to operational status represents a significant win for the game preservation community, which increasingly recognizes the need for institutional frameworks to maintain access to digital games as they age and become technically obsolete. This initiative addresses a growing industry concern: ensuring that video games remain accessible as commercial platforms and services inevitably change or cease operations.