Starting January 30, the Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) is unlocking its digital archives for public access. Although it’s still in development, this collection is set to become one of the most expansive resources dedicated to the preservation and study of video game history. Among its treasures, you’ll find over 1,500 issues of discontinued gaming magazines, promotional materials, and various game development assets.
Since its inception in 2017, VGHF has been striving to create an accessible digital archive. Their aim goes beyond just scanning their entire library and uploading it to the Internet—VGHF wants to craft a resource that truly enriches the understanding of the games they preserve, and is highly useful for researchers delving into video game history. To achieve this, the digital archive lets users search for specific games, publishers, and authors, as well as quirky, niche terms. Ever wonder when ‘Metroidvania’ was first mentioned? This will soon be trackable in the archive. As the VGHF continues the meticulous task of uploading and cataloging, you’ll also have the opportunity to sift through a selection of unprocessed materials from their collection.
Even though the VGHF’s physical archives house a substantial array of playable games, current restrictions under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) unfortunately prevent remote access. Unless the US Copyright Office provides an exemption allowing the VGHF to bypass these games’ copy protection, the digital archive will continue to focus on visual content.
It’s important to remember that the Video Game History Foundation operates as a non-profit, relying on donations from enthusiasts and supporters. If you feel passionate about supporting their mission to preserve gaming history, consider visiting the VGHF website to discover how you can contribute to their invaluable efforts.
