The act of extracting game data from original Dreamcast discs during the final years of the 20th century involved copying the contents to a computer or other storage medium. This process allowed for the preservation, archiving, and potential modification of game files. An example would be creating an ISO image from a Dreamcast GD-ROM for use with emulators or archival purposes.
This data extraction was significant because it provided a method to protect valuable game assets from physical degradation, ensuring their accessibility for future use. Further, it spurred innovation within the gaming community, allowing for the development of emulators and enabling players to experience these titles on different platforms. The practice arose partly due to concerns about the long-term viability of the proprietary GD-ROM format.
