Abandonware is a term used to describe software, such as computer programs or video games, that are no longer sold through regular methods or supported by their creators. In many cases, this software was shared for free through websites like file-sharing sites. The term “abandonware” is disputed because sharing software that is no longer available for purchase is still seen as a type of software piracy.
Stop Killing Games (SKG) is a group of people who buy products and want to keep video games playable even after they are no longer available online. Ross Scott started SKG in 2024 after Ubisoft, a game company, stopped supporting The Crew, a racing game that needed an internet connection even though most of the game could be played alone. SKG uses legal methods to encourage game companies to ensure games can still be played after they are no longer supported, challenging the trend of selling games as temporary “licenses” or services that can be canceled.
Stadia was a cloud gaming service created and managed by Google. It was first tested in a closed beta in October 2018 and officially launched in November 2019. The service could be used on devices such as Chromecast Ultra and Android TV, personal computers with the Google Chrome web browser and other Chromium-based browsers, Chromebooks and tablets running ChromeOS, and the Stadia mobile app on supported Android devices.
Apple Arcade is a video game subscription service provided by Apple. It can be accessed through a special section of the App Store on devices that use iOS 13, VisionOS, tvOS 13, iPadOS 13, or macOS Catalina and newer operating systems. The service began on September 19, 2019.
“High Score” is a Netflix documentary series made by France Costrel. It shows stories and talks to the people who created early video games. The series first aired on August 19, 2020.
Take-Two Interactive is an American company that makes and sells video games. Since it was started in 1993, the company has bought many other game companies and studios. Now, most of Take-Two Interactive’s game studios work as separate parts of its larger game publishing companies: 2K, Rockstar Games, and Zynga.
Embracer Group is a Swedish company that owns other companies. It is controlled by Lars Wingefors. In 2016, the company was created separately from Nordic Games Group.
Roblox ( / ˈ r oʊ . b l ɒ k s / , ROH -bloks ) is an online game platform and game creation system made by Roblox Corporation. It lets users create and play games made by themselves or other users.
A Minecraft mod is a type of modification that changes parts of the sandbox game Minecraft. These mods can add new content to the game, adjust specific features, and improve how the game runs. Thousands of mods have been created for Minecraft, and some have helped their creators earn money.
Quake is a series of first-person shooter video games created by id Software. As of 2010, Bethesda Softworks published the series. The Quake series includes the original game and its nonlinear, standalone sequels, which have different settings and stories.