Unlocking the Past: Video Game History Foundation Launches Digital Archive

For years, the stories behind our favorite video games – the development struggles, the creative sparks, the marketing magic – have often remained shrouded in the mists of time. Now, a significant step has been taken to illuminate that history. The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) has officially launched its groundbreaking digital archive, offering unprecedented access to a treasure trove of rare video game development materials, publications, and memorabilia.

Since its inception in 2017, the VGHF has been a tireless advocate for preserving the rich and often fragile history of the gaming industry. Their dedicated efforts in recovering, restoring, and meticulously archiving physical materials have now culminated in this pivotal digital resource. By making their library accessible online, the VGHF is democratizing access to gaming history for researchers, historians, educators, and anyone with a passion for the evolution of this dynamic medium.

The foundation’s vital work is fueled by the generous contributions of gaming historians, dedicated collectors, and meticulous archivists. Their combined efforts have amassed an impressive collection that includes everything from meticulously scanned out-of-print magazines and captivating tradeshow ephemera to insightful production footage and unique promotional items. The digital library now boasts:

• Never-before-seen game development materials, offering a glimpse behind the curtain of iconic titles.
• A stunning array of artwork, press kits, and promotional content that shaped our perceptions of classic games.
• An incredible 1,500+ full-text searchable out-of-print video game magazines, unlocking a wealth of contemporary perspectives and insights.
• Exclusive archival content from private collectors, adding layers of depth and rarity to the collection.

Highlighting the significance of this launch is the inclusion of the Mark Flitman Papers. As a former game producer who navigated the industry landscape of the 1990s and 2000s with companies like Midway, Konami, Acclaim, Mindscape, and Atari, Flitman’s contributions offer an invaluable window into game production. His marketing plans, detailed budgets, internal memos, and intricate licensing guides provide a rare, firsthand account of the business side of game development.

Phil Salvador, the Library Director at VGHF, eloquently captured the significance of this moment, stating, “This is just the beginning. Our digital library is the long-term home for our collections, and over the coming years, we’re going to keep building the library and adding new material. We have a whole storage room full of stuff we have to keep processing, so there is plenty to come. We’ve been building towards this for a long time and we think this is going to change how people study video game history.”

The VGHF’s work extends beyond simply archiving; it serves as a crucial reminder of the vulnerability of our gaming heritage. A sobering study conducted in partnership with the Software Preservation Network revealed that a mere 13 percent of classic video games released in the United States are currently available on the market. This stark statistic underscores the urgent need to capture and preserve a complete history before it fades away entirely.

The launch of the digital archive is a monumental achievement in the ongoing mission to safeguard video game history. It opens doors for deeper understanding, richer research, and a greater appreciation for the creative minds and intricate processes that have shaped the games we love.

Take a journey into the past and explore the VGHF’s digital library today. You can also learn more about the non-profit organization’s vital work to protect the history of gaming and how you can contribute to this important endeavor. The past is no longer locked away – it’s just a click away.