Hideki Kamiya says game preservation matters more to him than whether games are physical or digital
Hideki Kamiya, co-founder of Clovers, has stated that game preservation is more important to him than the format in which games are distributed—physical or digital. Despite personally purchasing games digitally, Kamiya emphasized that his primary concern is ensuring older and legacy titles remain accessible and playable for future audiences.
The remarks highlight ongoing industry discussions about digital preservation and the longevity of games as entertainment and cultural artifacts. With the continued shift toward digital distribution, questions about how players can access games after servers are shut down or digital storefronts close have become increasingly relevant. Kamiya’s position reflects concerns shared by preservationists and players who worry about the potential loss of gaming history when companies discontinue support for older titles.
His perspective underscores the responsibility he believes game companies have in maintaining backward compatibility and preserving access to their catalogs, regardless of whether consumers own physical copies or digital licenses. The statement comes amid broader industry conversations about digital rights, game preservation efforts by organizations and archives, and the balance between corporate interests and cultural heritage.