Key moments
On March 12, 2026, the Myrient Video Game Archive, a significant repository of video game data, was successfully backed up by community volunteers. This archive, which contains approximately 385TB of data, has been a vital resource for retro gaming enthusiasts and emulation communities since its inception.
The immediate circumstances surrounding this achievement were critical, as the Myrient organization had announced that its servers were scheduled to shut down on March 31, 2026, due to rising monthly maintenance costs that had escalated to $6,000. The community’s efforts to preserve this extensive archive were galvanized by a Reddit thread titled “Save Myrient,” which organized the backup process.
The Myrient Video Game Archive includes thousands of games spanning various platforms, such as the Atari ST, PS3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii U. The archive is known for its comprehensive collection of ROM files for both retro consoles and modern platforms, making it a treasure trove for gamers and historians alike.
Since 2022, Myrient has been a supporter of the emulation community, providing access to a wealth of gaming history. The urgency to back up the archive arose from concerns that the organization could no longer sustain the financial burden of maintaining the servers, which had been a lifeline for many in the gaming community.
Thanks to the dedication of community volunteers, the backup effort was completed without any loss of files. A volunteer known as Ill-Economist-5285 confirmed the success of the operation, stating that the backup was “100% complete.” This accomplishment reflects the strong commitment of the gaming community to preserving its history.
Currently, the community is working on creating torrent distributions for the archive, which will allow for easier access and sharing among users. However, uncertainties remain regarding the future of the Myrient archive following this backup. Details remain unconfirmed about whether a permanent public home for the archive will be established.
The Myrient archive is a volunteer-run initiative that has garnered respect and recognition in retro gaming circles. Its successful backup is a testament to the power of community action in the face of potential loss, ensuring that a significant part of gaming history remains accessible for future generations.