Gameology: Commentary and Resources for the Game Studies Community

I think the objects associated with console and arcade gaming in particular would be difficult to replicate in an emulation-only preservation system. Doesn't cabinet artwork play a fairly important role in arcade gaming aesthetics and culture? And doesn't the specific material interface of a console game (hello NES controller brick) add a whole other dimension to gameplay? Playing Mario on a PC is so not the same thing.

This also makes me think of Zach's work with fonts and how font design was impacted by display technology. Putting old games on new screens could alter visual aesthetics in ways we may not initially be aware of (yay Zach!) - despite the fact that the "visual artifact" portion is the part emulation is trying to preserve.

And speaking of aesthetics - is it safe to assume that, for a preservation project, these emulations would not be plagued by the bugs for which their less elite cousins are famous?

But I guess if we have no other choice...?