How to Preserve Your New World Memories: Exporting Data, Screenshots, and Community Archives

• Account metadata (account creation date, subscription details)
• Ownership history (purchased items, DLC, transaction logs)
• Personal chat logs and messages (if available under privacy laws)

2) Capture screenshots correctly

Why format matters: Use lossless formats (PNG) for screenshots to preserve detail. Avoid JPG for important images because compression blurs tooltip text and UI detail.

Best practices:

• Take multiple shots: full-screen, tooltip-only closeups, and contextual images (map, location, players present).
• Embed metadata: use filename conventions like YYYYMMDD_server_character_itemname.png. Example: 20260116_EU-Central_Arielle_LegendaryGauntlet.png
• Record EXIF or sidecar metadata: create a small JSON or CSV manifest that lists the screenshot filename, timestamp (UTC), server name, character, and short notes.
• If using Steam, open the Steam Screenshots manager and click “Show on Disk” to get original PNGs. If you used Xbox/PlayStation capture, export via the console or the platform’s cloud service.

3) Record video evidence of rare content and events

Videos capture movement, UI interactions, and social context. Use OBS, ShadowPlay, or your capture tool to record at high bitrates or lossless codecs (like x264 lossless or FFV1) for archival quality. Containerize as MKV to avoid corruption mid-recording. For portable capture and on-site workflows consider a PocketCam / PocketLan workflow to offload and serve files in the field.

• Record full raids, sieges, and trade interactions — include timestamps and chat logs where possible.
• Export and compress a high-quality archive copy (MKV) and a small mp4 for sharing (H.264 at reasonable bitrate).
• Keep raw recordings for at least one backup generation in case recompression is needed later.

4) Exporting in-game data and inventories

Most MMOs do not provide item export by default. Use these tactics:

• In-game screenshots of tooltips: Capture all rare or notable item tooltips in multiple lighting/UI positions.
• CSV manifests: Manually export a spreadsheet: item name, rarity, stats, bound state, acquisition date, and location. This is invaluable for later research or for showing provenance in disputes. For a spreadsheet-first approach see spreadsheet-first edge datastores.
• API access: If the game exposes an API, use it within rate limits to pull inventory data programmatically. Respect authentication and do not attempt to reverse-engineer private endpoints — see best practices in responsible web data bridges.
• Platform receipts: Save purchase receipts (Steam, Amazon, console stores) which often prove legal ownership.

5) Preserve guild history and social context

Guilds are community archives. The goal is to preserve who did what, when, and why.

• Member roster: Export names, character IDs, join dates, ranks, and a copy of the guild charter. Save as CSV and PDF.
• Event logs: Screenshot or export calendars, war records, conquest logs, and treasury ledgers. If the guild uses an external tool (Guilded, GuildPress, Google Sheets), export those backups (CSV, JSON, PDF).
• Chat and forum archives: As officers, you can use approved tools to export Discord channels (for example, community tools like DiscordChatExporter). If you do export other members’ messages, get written consent or redact personal data to avoid privacy violations.
• Pinned posts and strategy docs: Save as PDFs, and keep original Markdown or plain text for easy future editing.
• Media album: Create a centralized folder with labeled screenshots and video for guild events, sorted by year and event.

6) Scraping web forums and wiki pages — do it responsibly

Forums and community wikis hold lore, guides, and debates. Use respectful scraping practices:

• Check robots.txt and Terms of Service. If scraping is disallowed, request exports from site admins.
• Use polite rate limits (e.g., 1 request/sec), identify yourself via User-Agent, and include contact info.
• Prefer APIs if available; many forum platforms offer JSON endpoints or export tools for admins.
• Archive major threads on the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine, or use Archive.org’s “Save Page Now” for important pages — and consider partnering with community hubs described in neighborhood forum projects for discoverability.

Backup strategy and storage: 3-2-1 with extra steps for longevity

Apply the 3-2-1 rule: three copies, two different media, one off-site. For MMO preservation you should extend it:

• Master archive (local): External SSD or NAS with redundancy (RAID1/RAID5).
• Secondary copy (cloud): Backblaze B2, Amazon S3 (Glacier Deep Archive for long-term), or Google Cloud with lifecycle rules. See cloud storage trade-offs in cloud data warehouse reviews for cost/performance context.
• Off-site physical copy: LTO tape or a second external drive stored in a separate location. For field-friendly server options, check PocketLan microserver workflows.
• Versioned metadata repository: Use Git (for manifests, CSVs, small media pointers) and Git LFS or a dedicated object store for binaries. Keep checksums (SHA-256) for every file to detect bit rot; operational patterns appear in hybrid edge workflows like hybrid edge workflows for productivity tools.
• Manifest and checksum file: Create a manifest.json or manifest.csv with file paths, sizes, SHA-256, and a short description.

File naming, folder structure, and metadata

Consistent naming makes archives discoverable years later. Example folder structure:

• /NewWorld-Archive/
• /NewWorld-Archive/2026-01-16_screenshots/
• /NewWorld-Archive/guilds/ArdenVanguard/roster.csv
• /NewWorld-Archive/videos/Raw/ArdenVanguard_Siege_20260110.mkv

Create a README.txt at the root explaining the archive, contact info, and rights permissions. For hardware and labeling best practices see the desktop preservation kit review.

Legal and ethical considerations

Preserving content is not the same as owning distribution rights. This section covers what you must consider before creating or sharing archives.

1) Terms of Service and EULAs

Read the game’s Terms of Service and End User License Agreement. Many EULAs prohibit extracting and redistributing game assets (textures, models, sound). Personal backups (screenshots, recordings) are usually tolerated for personal use, but public redistribution can be a violation. If you plan to publish archives, seek permission or limit what you share.

2) Data privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA, and equivalents)

If you’re saving chat logs or any content that contains personal data, be mindful of privacy laws:

• Under GDPR (EU) and similar laws, users have rights regarding their personal data. A DSAR to the publisher can sometimes return data about your account, but not necessarily others’ messages.
• Obtain consent from other users before archiving and sharing their messages; redact personally identifying information where necessary. For practical privacy steps, see guides on protecting user data.

3) Copyright and redistribution

Game assets are copyrighted. Hosting raw assets (models, textures) may risk takedown notices. Safer alternatives:

• Share screenshots and recordings under a non-commercial, archival context.
• Host metadata, manifests, and textual histories publicly but keep binary assets behind a restricted access layer or provide them to trusted institutions like the Internet Archive on request.
• Consider licensing arrangements: ask the publisher for permission to archive or to open-source server binaries for community-run servers.

Community strategies and advocacy

Don’t go it alone. Guilds and networks amplify preservation.

• Coordinate with other guilds: Split the workload — one group focuses on screenshots, another on Discord export, another on wiki scraping.
• Set up a preservation hub: A shared GitHub or private cloud bucket with role-based access for contributors.
• Contact the publisher: Ask for an official archive, permission to host community servers, or the possibility of an open-source toolkit. Frame the ask: non-commercial, community-led, preserving culture and player data.
• Join or create a preservation project: The Internet Archive and similar NGOs sometimes partner with fandoms to host archives. See community approaches in neighborhood forum initiatives.

Case examples and quick wins

Recent trends through late 2025: several studios agreed to hand over limited export packages or to allow community servers under license after negotiation. That means two practical moves can pay off quickly:

1. File a DSAR or support ticket requesting all personal account data — it’s fast, free, and the official record is the most authoritative.
2. Start an officer-run archive drive immediately. Even simple screenshots + CSV manifests will preserve provenance better than nothing.

Checklist: One-week preservation sprint

If shutdown is imminent, use this prioritized sprint:

1. Request any official data export or DSAR from the publisher.
2. Take screenshots of rare items, achievements, and guild bank contents (PNG).
3. Record 2–3 full-resolution videos of major events and a short tour of your inventory and guild hall.
4. Export guild roster, officer logs, and event calendars as CSV/PDF.
5. Archive Discord channels, important forum threads, and pinned posts.
6. Upload one cloud copy and copy to an external drive; create a manifest with SHA-256 hashes.

Long-term preservation and sharing

After immediate tasks are done, plan for long-term accessibility:

• Host metadata (manifests, readmes, CSVs) on a public Git repository for discovery, keeping actual binaries controlled if there are copyright concerns. For workflows and tooling ideas see hybrid edge workflows.
• Partner with archival organizations for permanent deposits. The Internet Archive accepts community collections and provides persistent identifiers for items — and community projects described in Beyond Backup can help structure long-term access.
• Consider legal counsel or consult a digital preservationist for complex issues (like mass chat exports involving minors).

Final thoughts: preserve context, not just pixels

Archivists stress that context is as important as the objects. A screenshot without a date, server name, or explanation loses value. Save the story: who was there, why the moment mattered, and how the item or event was obtained. That narrative turns screenshots into cultural artifacts.

Actionable takeaways

• Start now: Check for official exports and begin a one-week sprint for screenshots and guild records.
• Use lossless formats: PNG for images; MKV or lossless codecs for video; CSV/JSON for metadata.
• Respect privacy and law: Get consent before sharing others’ chat logs; prefer official exports where possible.
• Redundancy and verification: 3-2-1 backups, SHA-256 checksums, and a clear manifest for discoverability.
• Coordinate: Work with guilds and the community, and reach out to the publisher for permissions.

“Games shouldn’t die, but when they do, memories and community knowledge can live on — if we act responsibly and collectively.”

Call to action

Ready to preserve your New World legacy? Start your archive today: create a root folder, capture five key screenshots, export your guild roster as CSV, and request any official account data from the publisher. Need templates, manifest examples, or a vetted list of backup tools? Join our preservation hub at gamingmania.online/preserve — share tips, upload manifests, and coordinate community archives so New World memories stay accessible for years to come.

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