Academic Scientific JournalsPreserving Wartime Video Games: Criteria and Methods in the Context of the War in Ukraine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26881/ehgs.2026.1.05Keywords:
cultural heritage, digital archiving, video game preservation, Russia-Ukraine war, war testimoniesAbstract
The ongoing war in Ukraine has influenced various aspects of cultural production, including video games. Unlike traditional forms of historical documentation, video games provide interactive experiences that capture emotions, testimonies, and unique perspectives on war. This paper explores the significance of preserving video games developed during the war in Ukraine and proposes a methodology for their preservation processes. It outlines criteria for selection, methods of digital storage, and potential institutions responsible for their preservation, such as archives, libraries, and museums. The study also discusses technical and legal challenges, including issues related to DRM (Digital Rights Management), digital decay, and copyright laws. In addition, it examines the public reception of these games, highlighting both positive feedback and controversies surrounding their ethical matter. By treating war-related video games as valuable historical testimonies, this research argues for their systematic preservation to ensure accessibility for future research and the public. The findings emphasize the role of video games as a contemporary form of war documentation and the necessity of dedicated institutional efforts to secure them.
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