Myrient, one of the largest online video game archives, has announced that it will shut down on March 31, 2026. The creator stated that donations are not keeping pace with hosting costs, which exceed $6000 per month, making it unsustainable.
The shutdown notice cited several reasons for the closure: insufficient funding, paywalled download managers that bypassed the site’s protections, and rising RAM, SSD, and HDD prices due to AI infrastructure build-out. The creator emphasized that these factors are not just minor issues but have significantly impacted the archive’s ability to operate.
To preserve the content, users have been warned to download important information before March 31st. Myrient was known for its vast collection of classic games, supplementary materials, and unique data related to gaming. Although donations stopped covering hosting costs, many believe that the shutdown is not solely due to AI-driven price increases but also a result of inadequate funding.
The site’s Discord server and Telegram channel will remain accessible, allowing gamers and preservationists to discuss saving their favorite titles. It is unclear if the archive will be revived in the near future, but its closure highlights the challenges faced by online communities relying on donations for sustenance.
Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/390tb-video-game-archive-being-taken-offline-due-to-skyrocketing-ram-ssd-and-hard-drive-prices-ai-driven-supply-squeeze-results-in-closure-of-one-of-the-largest-online-video-game-archives