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(This is the proposal I submitted to PCAACA for inclusion in the program of the 2022 Annual Conference.)
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Mainted Nostalgia: Diablo, Game Engine Recreations the Role of the Player-Engineer
Some form of intervention is necessary in order to keep older video games playable on today's gaming hardware. Several methods are already in place to achieve this goal, but they diverge significantly based on who implements them and for what reasons. Meanwhile, the work of the so-called "player-engineer" - who is equal parts gamer, fan and research scientist - is of particular interest: their favorable position and unique skill set carry the potential to disrupt the gaming industry's traditional concept of player vis-à-vis developer. This is clearly illustrated when considering the availability of game engine recreations, which can redefine the very playability of certain titles. As an example, GOG's re-release of Diablo (1996) is presented, and the tensions between developer, distributor and player-engineer are explored in detail.