A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Japanese gaming history, the Japanese Game Preservation Society (GPS), is on the brink of closure due to financial constraints. Established in 2011 by Joseph Redon, this entity has successfully safeguarded thousands of games and related media. Despite attracting renowned figures within the gaming industry and operating in a country pivotal to interactive entertainment, the GPS struggles with insufficient funds. The core issue lies in the lack of adequate monthly support, leading to concerns over its sustainability by September. Redon emphasizes the need for at least £750 monthly contributions from supporters to maintain operations.
The Japanese Game Preservation Society was founded amidst a growing concern about the potential loss of Japan's rich gaming heritage. Since its inception in 2011, it has meticulously preserved numerous floppy discs, magazines, and books under the leadership of Joseph Redon. Notable honorary members include Tomohiro Nishikado, Yuzo Koshiro, Yoshio Kiya, and Tokihiro Naito. However, despite these illustrious associations, the society faces severe financial challenges. Redon reveals that he currently covers 25% of the rent, indicating an imminent operational shutdown if funding does not improve. Monthly losses range between £260 and £420, necessitating at least 300 additional supporters contributing minimally to sustain the laboratory crucial for preservation efforts.
Despite its significant achievements, outreach remains a persistent challenge for the GPS. Redon's hospitalization last December due to stress highlighted the strain of managing the organization while subsidizing it from his personal income. Members are volunteers, further limiting resources. The process of conserving video game history is intricate, especially when the broader industry shows limited interest in safeguarding its legacy. In contrast, Western counterparts like The Video Game History Foundation enjoy substantial success and support. The VGHF’s annual tax returns indicate that its founder's salary alone nearly surpasses the GPS's entire annual budget. Transparency is evident as every penny spent by the GPS is accounted for in newsletters, yet engagement remains low; the February 2025 newsletter garnered merely two downloads.
Efforts to leverage industry connections through high-quality documentaries have also met with limited success. Fascinating interviews and features produced by the GPS remain underwatched, raising questions about visibility and communication strategies. Government funding, though received, comes with stringent conditions, often resulting in financial losses for the GPS. Legal restrictions in Japan prevent the sharing of preserved ROMs, a factor criticized by some without understanding the legal implications. This misunderstanding led to DDoS attacks against GPS servers following public outcries demanding access to preserved data.
Redon underscores the importance of international cooperation, citing projects like i-Mode preservation as examples where the GPS supports global initiatives while navigating restrictive Japanese laws. The organization’s work extends beyond gaming, aiding entities like a Kyoto kimono factory with antiquated computer repairs. Technical expertise and specialized hardware are essential components of their preservation efforts. Misconceptions about preservation in Japan persist, particularly concerning recent fabricated news about major companies collaborating on preservation efforts. Redon clarifies that most companies acknowledge their inability to engage in such activities due to managerial constraints.
Engaging new volunteers and securing modest financial contributions are critical for the GPS's survival. Redon insists that the required funding is achievable with around 400 new supporters contributing minimal amounts monthly. He appeals for fresh volunteers to enhance communication and outreach efforts. In a world grappling with economic uncertainties, the request is not solely for monetary donations but also for sharing the society's content and raising awareness about its invaluable work. The GPS seeks individuals passionate about preserving gaming history to join its mission.
Joseph Redon concludes with an urgent call for legislative change and continued research into the evolving role of game archivists. The GPS plays a pivotal role in advocating for legal reforms necessary for effective preservation. Their open-source approach invites everyone to contribute to and build upon their work. As they strive to define a new professional role in game archiving, the risk of losing this pioneering effort looms large. Supporting the GPS involves more than financial contributions; it demands a collective effort to preserve a vital part of cultural history.