In a recent discussion, Tim Cain, co-creator of the iconic Fallout series, expressed his regret over the reported loss of numerous original game assets during his tenure. Cain revealed he was prohibited from backing up the source code of the first Fallout title, raising concerns about the responsibility that corporate entities hold regarding the preservation of gaming history.

Cain reflects on the fragility of digital archives, noting that the original assets, some of which were stored on DAT tapes, could now be irretrievably lost. He lamented that over time, the methods for game asset preservation have become increasingly complex as technology has progressed, making loss more prevalent.

“They told me to destroy it. I did… When you’re being threatened with a lawsuit, you delete it all.”
“They instructed me to destroy my backups, leaving behind not just my work, but a crucial piece of gaming history.”

Despite these challenges, Cain advocates for better practices in the industry, emphasizing the need for greater accountability from corporate owners in preserving critical gaming artifacts for future generations.