Physical game copy buyers have always preached to digital game buyers that it only takes one day for a game to disappear. Due to reasons like copyright or licensing issues, a game can disappear from a digital storefront like it just got snapped by Thanos. Now one of the biggest franchises in gaming, Metal Gear Solid, is looking at that exact issue.
Konami has let players know that games from the Metal Gear Solid franchise will be removed from digital storefronts starting Nov. 8. The removal is due to renewing the licensing agreements for historical archived footage used in the games. Till the licenses get renewed, multiple games will not be available on digital storefronts. You can check out the full quote below detailing what games on what stores are delisted for the time being.
Digital licensing strikes again
It’s good that Konami sees the issue as a temporary removal. But the point still stands that it speaks to the substantial issue about digital game storefronts. Copyright or licensing agreements falling through could mean the game is lost forever. Multiple games released on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 are gone due to this exact issue. The re-release of The Simpsons Arcade Game, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled, multiple Spider-Man games. Heck, even Scott Pilgrim was lost for years until fans clamored to Ubisoft for it to come back. And fans begged for a physical version so the idea of losing it wouldn’t happen again.
If you truly love a game, buy physical every time. All these Metal Gear Solid games released on consoles have physical editions. I suggest you run to your nearest game shop and get them if you want them before their prices skyrocket.
Via Konami
