Epic Games Greenlights Classic Titles

In a thrilling turn of events for gaming enthusiasts, Epic Games has officially greenlit the hosting of their iconic 1998 first-person shooter, Unreal, on the Internet Archive. This generous move not only makes this classic sci-fi alien blaster free for everyone but also ensures its legacy is preserved for generations to come. But that’s not all—Epic has granted the same permission for Unreal Tournament, the game that revolutionized multiplayer FPS experiences and led to a host of faster-paced sequels throughout the early 2000s.

User-Friendly Installers by Old Unreal

According to the fan-driven site Old Unreal, this exciting news was recently confirmed. They are at the forefront of making these classic games more accessible by developing user-friendly installers for both Unreal Gold and Unreal Tournament. While the Internet Archive is an amazing repository, users often find navigating it a bit tricky. However, thanks to the dedicated Skaarj custodians, gamers can now download installers that simplify the process by automatically retrieving the .iso files from the Internet Archive and streamlining the installation on modern devices.

Personal Experience with the Installers

I personally tried the Unreal Tournament installer, and I must say, everything functioned flawlessly! However, players looking to join online matches will still need to follow additional steps, as guidance provided by the Old Unreal team suggests.

Epic's Strategic Shift and Game Removal from Steam

A few years back, Epic Games removed the original Unreal from Steam, alongside their entire surreal Unreal franchise. This strategy was part of Epic's broader tactical shift to promote their own digital marketplace as a competitor to Steam. While that decision raised eyebrows and frustrations among fans, the recent availability of these classic games free of charge could certainly help mend those fences.

A Trend Towards Game Preservation

This development is part of a larger trend towards game preservation, with platforms like GOG reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that classic titles remain playable on contemporary systems. In addition, this isn't the first instance of Epic giving away its beloved shooters for free, although prior instances were typically tied to celebrations or special events.

Conclusion: A Win for Gamers

In short, this news is fantastic for gamers everywhere. With Unreal and Unreal Tournament now available for free, gamers can dive back into the nostalgia of their youth or discover these influential titles for the first time. Free games are undeniably a win for all!

Call to Action

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your gear and jump back into the action—these classics are just a few clicks away!