In an astonishing discovery that feels straight out of a video game, Square Enix UK staff recently uncovered a hidden stash of retro gaming history that had been locked away for nearly two decades. The revelation came when employees opened an old off-site storage container, only to find it brimming with pristine classic video games spanning multiple platforms, some dating back over 30 years.
A Blast from the Past
Lee Singleton, head of Square Enix External Studios, shared the news on LinkedIn, posting a short but electrifying 30-second video showcasing the treasure trove. The footage offers a glimpse into an extraordinary collection featuring titles for the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Atari ST, DOS computers, N-Gage, Nintendo Wii, and Amstrad CPC.
Most of these games appear to be from Domark Limited and its successor, Eidos Interactive, both of which were eventually acquired by Square Enix in 2009. Among the standout titles identified in the video are Domark’s Klax, Hard Drivin, Badlands, and S.T.U.N. Runner, as well as the James Bond tie-in The Living Daylights. Also present in the find are Eidos games and collectibles, including a Tomb Raider action figure, a PC version of Quantic Dream’s Omikron: The Nomad Soul, and a copy of Crystal Dynamics’ Akuji: The Heartless. Additionally, the Nintendo Wii version of Backbone Entertainment’s Death Jr: Root of Evil makes an appearance, adding another layer of nostalgia to the haul.
An Open Invitation for Employees
Rather than locking these retro relics away in a vault, Singleton revealed that Square Enix has given employees the freedom to take whatever they want from the collection. This generous move has sparked excitement among gaming enthusiasts at the company, with many eager to own a piece of gaming history.
However, it seems that not all of these priceless finds will disappear into private collections. Singleton has also hinted at discussions with the British Games Institute (BGI) and the National Videogame Museum in Sheffield regarding a potential donation. The museum, known for its dedication to preserving the legacy of video gaming, could serve as the perfect home for these classic titles, ensuring they are safeguarded for future generations.
Gaming Historians Take Notice
John O’Shea, co-creator and CEO of the National Videogame Museum, weighed in on the discovery, describing it as “interesting for all sorts of reasons.” The find has already sparked discussions in the gaming community about the importance of preserving physical media in an era dominated by digital downloads and streaming.
For collectors and enthusiasts, this unexpected haul is a reminder of the industry’s rich history. While many of these titles are now hard to come by, their impact on gaming culture remains significant. The discovery also raises intriguing questions about what other forgotten gems might still be lurking in storage units across the gaming industry.
A Nostalgic Goldmine
The rediscovery of these games is a rare and fascinating event, one that blends nostalgia with the ongoing efforts to document and archive video game history. Whether these titles find their way into the hands of employees or a museum collection, one thing is certain—this forgotten storage container has unlocked an exciting chapter in the story of Square Enix and its storied acquisitions.
For now, the gaming world eagerly awaits updates on the fate of this remarkable retro haul, as Square Enix UK decides how best to preserve and share this unexpected slice of video game history.
