Do Classic Video Games Have a Future?

Time, as a rule, does not treat classic video games with kindness.

Sure, Mario and Sonic will probably never go out of style, but even they often struggle to achieve the sales figures of bygone days. What hopes do less popular properties have of remaining relevant as time, design, and consumer tastes march on?

This is the challenge that many long-time publishers face. They're sitting on potential treasure troves of classic games that evoke fond memories for millions — but the task of transforming those fond remembrances into sales can be painfully difficult, as numerous failed revival efforts have demonstrated.

Are video games truly the playthings of the young, even as the median age of gamers steadily rises? Not necessarily — and a growing number of creators are finding different paths to success.