RC-1 — Reversible Collection: Participation-Based Replayability for Finite Content Libraries

Abstract Reversible Collection is a progression framework for finite content libraries in which replayability emerges from maintained participation rather than permanent ownership. Traditional progression systems often move from locked content toward permanent completion, after which the authored library risks exhaustion or dependency on DLC, seasonal rotation, battle passes, or other external retention systems. RC-1 defines an alternative model: a player may begin with broad or full access to a finite library, while access states can decay, fade, weaken, or relock through real-time absence or inactivity. The same content is then restored through ordinary play, turning return into rediscovery rather than punishment. The framework therefore reframes collection not as static possession but as an ongoing relation between player and finite authored content. A prior-art investigation found many adjacent systems, including care loops, absence-driven worlds, prestige systems, roguelikes, durability systems, battle passes, rhythm-game unlocks, racing-game unlocks, accessory bonding, and public patent examples, but no exact documented precedent for the complete combination as a named progression framework before June 2026. To the best of our knowledge, Reversible Collection appears to represent a novel synthesis combining broad access, absence-driven decay, restorative replay, non-final completion, finite content maintenance, and a rediscovery-oriented non-FOMO framing.