ESA welcomes the Copyright Office's 2024 video-game preservation decision
Entertainment Software AssociationTrade association representing video-game businesses
ESA says the decision confirms that the current level of video game preservation is appropriate, and thanks the Copyright Office for supporting existing copyright protection.
“the U.S. Copyright Office confirms that the current level of video game preservation is appropriate”
Official statement
Where this statement fits
Copyright Office rejects a remote research-access exemption for preserved video games
The 2024 copyright review rejected a proposed exemption for remote research access to preserved video games. Preservation advocates argue that screened access is needed for scholarship. ESA supports the decision and argues that the proposal did not adequately protect copyright interests.
Source and context
Official statement
About this source
ESA welcomes the decision and argues that existing copyright protections support creative work and access to games.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
ESA's statement says it recognizes the importance of preserving video games given their significance in culture and society.
After the quotation
ESA adds that the Office recognizes video games present unique copyright concerns, and thanks the Library of Congress and the Copyright Office for supporting existing copyright protection.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
Relative to retaining the existing preservation limits, ESA expressly approves the decision. Its general support for preservation does not negate that endorsement.
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Read the full caseFrank Cifaldi condemns the remote game-research access decision
“This fails the needs of citizens in favor of a weak sauce argument from the industry, and it's really disappointing.”Read statement
Kendra Albert criticizes the evidence assessment in the game-preservation decision
“I do believe we made the best case we could that scholarly access to video games *that are not commercially available* does not harm the market. I do not believe that this evidence was seriously engaged with by the Copyright Office.”Read statement
VGHF criticizes the Copyright Office's decision on remote research access
Video Game History Foundation
“Unfortunately, lobbying efforts by rightsholder groups continue to hold back progress.”Read statement
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- ESA welcomes the Copyright Office's 2024 video-game preservation decision
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The Dispute Index. "ESA welcomes the Copyright Office's 2024 video-game preservation decision". First published: 2026-10-21. Last updated: 2026-10-21. https://disputeindex.com/events/6345-esa-says-the-decision-confirms-that-the-current