There's something deeply moving when we revisit the video games we cherished in our younger years. The nostalgia hits even harder when we get a chance to replay these games after decades. However, a recent study by the Video Game History Foundation reveals a grim reality for retro gaming aficionados - the majority of classic video games are at risk of disappearing completely. The research states that 87% of classic video games released in the United States are ‘critically endangered’, and the situation is likely to worsen over time.

The comprehensive study, conducted in collaboration with the Software Preservation Network, reveals that only 13% of all games released before 2010 are commercially or readily available today. The researchers examined over 4,000 games across multiple gaming ecosystems, classified as ‘abandoned’, ‘neglected’, and ‘active’. The data was collected using a random list of 1,500 games from a ‘single source of truth’. The detailed methodology of the study is available for those interested in the specifics of the research process.

Some crucial points from the study include: The PlayStation 2, the best-selling console in history, has seen only 12% of its entire catalog survive the test of time. About 1,000 unique games vanished when the 3DS and Wii U digital storefronts closed earlier this year. The existing US copyright laws are making it difficult for libraries and organizations to preserve classic video games. There's a debate to modify these laws, with a review scheduled for 2024.

The exhaustive 51-page study provides in-depth information on the state of historical preservation of video games. It underscores the cultural importance of video games, the challenges of reissue, and potential future threats to game preservation, such as the closure of more digital storefronts or the demise of specific gaming platforms.

For fans of retro gaming, these numbers might come as a shock. The preservation of these classic games is not just about nostalgia but also about preserving an important part of our digital cultural heritage. It raises the question of what efforts are needed to keep these games alive for future generations to experience and appreciate.