Post-Closure Plans & Questions Regarding Preservation

[Aun Egg]

I manage a game preservation group that focuses on MMORPGs primarily, but we do keep an archive of files for over 50,000 different multiplayer games. I also host servers for games that no longer have another way to play them when I can obtain permission (i.e. Boundel, Mystica, Classic Ultima Online -- the Ultima IV fan MMORPG, Project Wasteland, and others).

Because of licensing terms of the engine that Twilight Spirits appears to be built upon, an open source release of the entirety of the game (client, server & tools) is likely not possible. However, is there any possibility that our group could obtain the server-side binaries, even if under strict requirements, to ensure that this game doesn't get completely lost to history? Are there any forums, websites, guides, related projects, important team members, or anything other data important to the project that I should capture to help preserve the game in some form?

So many MMOs have closed down this year with no post-closure plan, and many of these games -- if not for the attempts of various preservationists out there -- would likely have no readily available trace of their existence anywhere in 5-10 years.

Also, I guess I should finally get around to actually playing this one. Most people show up in the first few months of a new MMO. We tend to show up in the final days of MMORPGs that just couldn't keep on going.

Best of luck with your future endeavors!

[Bloodwyrm Wildheart]

Originally posted by Aun Egg:

I manage a game preservation group that focuses on MMORPGs primarily

Sounds like the folks over at RaGEZONE could learn a thing or two from you.