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What is Abandonware? Who are we? Read on...
Abandonware refers to software—typically games—that is no longer sold, supported, or actively protected by its copyright holder. Though still technically under copyright, these titles are often considered "abandoned" due to the lack of commercial availability or enforcement. The concept gained popularity in the 1990s when retro gaming communities began collecting, preserving, and sharing such titles to prevent them from being lost to time.
The term "abandonware" was coined by Peter Ringering in late 1996. According to Wikipedia: “While trading old games has taken many names and forms, the term 'abandonware' was coined by Peter Ringering in late 1996. Ringering found classic game websites similar to his own, contacted their webmasters, and formed the original Abandonware Ring in February 1997.” [source]
The Abandonware Ring was established in early 1997 by Peter Ringering as a webring-style network for enthusiasts hosting classic PC games no longer commercially available. It brought together a community of like-minded webmasters who believed in the importance of preserving old software titles for future generations. The Ring operated on a decentralized system where each participating site displayed a shared navigation panel, allowing visitors to explore the network from any point.
This initiative not only helped distribute hard-to-find titles but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among early abandonware enthusiasts. It played a key role in shaping the identity and ethos of the abandonware movement in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Diskboy, one of the longest-standing members of the Abandonware Ring, has been involved since the early 2000s. He has contributed to preserving abandonware history, participated in discussions about its legal and moral significance, and has even been interviewed in newspaper articles on the topic.
In 2025, Diskboy and Marhasan spearheaded the complete rebuilding of the Abandonware Ring platform. No longer just a webring, the modern Abandonware Ring has evolved into a dynamic retro gaming marketplace and community hub—complete with user accounts, an internal messaging system, a news portal, and an updated listings network for classic games and websites.
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