Uncertainty for Developers as Adult Swim Games are Delisted
The recent delisting of Adult Swim Games has left independent game developers in a state of uncertainty, with unclear reasons behind the decision and challenges in preserving game history. The future of indies at Adult Swim Games remains uncertain.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Delisting of Adult Swim Games
The recent delisting of Adult Swim Games has left independent game developers in a state of uncertainty. Unlike typical delistings caused by licensing or financial issues, the reasons behind Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to remove these games from digital storefronts remain unclear. This mass delisting has raised concerns among developers and game preservationists alike.
( Credit to: Polygon )
Starting in March, several independent developers reported receiving correspondence from Warner Bros. Discovery, informing them that their games would be removed from digital platforms. The lack of transparency surrounding this decision has left developers wondering why their games are being delisted. Brandon Huffman, an attorney with Odin Law and Media and volunteer counsel for the International Game Developers’ Association, stated that this systematic delisting of the entire catalog does not seem to be a rights issue.
( Credit to: Polygon )
Challenges Faced by Developers
Each developer had different agreements with Adult Swim Games, making it difficult for them to self-host their games. Additionally, transferring games to platforms like Steam would result in the loss of years’ worth of data, including discussions, reviews, wishlists, and community interactions. Phil Salvador, library director at the Video Game History Foundation, emphasizes that preserving game history goes beyond the game itself and involves safeguarding the communities built around these games.
( Credit to: Polygon )
Game Preservation Concerns and Communication Difficulties
Removing any mention of Adult Swim from the game poses another challenge for developers. Some games, which are more than a decade old, no longer have their source code or have not received updates in years. This poses a threat to properly crediting the individuals who worked on these games, dealing a blow to game preservation efforts.
Determining who to contact at Warner Bros. Discovery has proven challenging. Adult Swim Games has faced layoffs and restructuring in recent years, making it difficult to find a point of contact. The lack of a clear communication channel adds to the frustration experienced by developers seeking to regain their rights.
The Mystery Behind the Delisting Decision
The motivation behind delisting the games remains a mystery. Unlike other cases, where delisting is due to the game’s declining revenue, these games have been around for so long that their financial impact is minimal. Brandon Huffman suggests that either the administrative cost of maintaining the games is burdensome, or there are larger factors at play that prompted this decision.
The Future of Adult Swim Games and Conclusion
While not all impacted developers have announced their games’ delisting yet, it is expected that more notices will follow. Warner Bros. Discovery has yet to outline its future game strategy, leaving the future of indies at the studio, including Adult Swim Games, uncertain. Huffman concludes that this unfortunate situation is not the first time developers have been let down by publishers, and sadly, it may not be the last.
The delisting of Adult Swim Games has created uncertainty and frustration among independent developers. The lack of clear communication, challenges in preserving game history, and the unknown motivations behind this decision have left developers searching for answers. As the situation unfolds, the future of indies at Adult Swim Games and the impact on game preservation will become clearer.