In an astonishing blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge technology, Heroes of Might and Magic III has been officially preserved on 5D optical data storage, also known as “crystal discs”, by GOG.COM.

What Are 5D Discs?

Developed by scientists at the University of Southampton, 5D optical storage technology uses ultrafast lasers to encode data into quartz glass, storing information in five dimensions: the size, orientation, and position in three layers.

These discs are not only extremely compact, but are also incredibly durable — boasting a lifespan of up to 13.8 billion years at room temperature.

They’re heat-armageddon–resistant up to 1,000°C (1,832°F) and offer storage capacity of up to 360 terabytes per disc.

Preserving Digital Culture

The inclusion of Heroes III in this preservation effort was part of a larger initiative by GOG.com in collaboration with scientists to safeguard iconic digital media for future generations. Alongside other cultural works, a working version of the game was etched into crystal, ensuring that even in a distant future where today’s computers are ancient relics, Heroes III might still be recoverable — and playable.

Why Heroes of Might and Magic III ?

Few games deserve digital immortality more than Heroes of Might and Magic III. With its legendary map design, memorable factions, timeless soundtrack, and massive modding community that’s still active today, Heroes III represents a pinnacle of PC strategy gaming.

Its preservation is a symbolic gesture that underscores the game’s cultural and artistic value — not just for gamers, but for historians of interactive media.