Discovering the Past: Free Access to the Video Game History Foundation's Digital Archive
Today marks an exciting milestone for gaming enthusiasts and historians alike, as the Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) opens its digital archive of video game research materials to the public.
Accessible now at https://archive.gamehistory.org/, this repository is an impressive gateway into the world of video game history that is completely free of charge.
A Rich Tapestry of Gaming’s History
Since its inception in 2017, the VGHF has been on a mission to build a comprehensive digital library centered around the history of video games.
Over the years, they have meticulously gathered a treasure trove of materials including development documents, rare publications, magazines, and behind-the-scenes content. This endeavor ensures that the stories of how our favorite games came to life are preserved for future generations.
What’s Inside the Archive
The initial collection is a remarkable assortment of items that includes:
- Unseen development materials: A glimpse into the creative process behind beloved video games.
- Promotional artwork: Graphics, press kits, and other marketing materials from iconic titles.
- Rare magazines: Over 1,500 full-text searchable out-of-print video game magazines, including trade publications that are seldom available to the public.
These resources are invaluable for understanding both the artistic and business sides of video game development.
While the archive offers an incredible amount of content, it is unfortunate that documents cannot currently be downloaded for use on e-readers like Kindle. This limitation makes it less convenient for those who prefer to read on portable devices. Finding a way to transfer documents for offline access remains a challenge for many users.
EDIT: I find a way to download the retro magazines with the short cut keyboard "CTRL + S" on my computer to save the file as PDF.
Learn How Games Were Made
One of the highlights of the launch is the Mark Flitman papers, a collection of documents from a retired game producer who worked with renowned companies such as Konami and Acclaim.
These papers embody a detailed record of the video game industry's past, offering unique insights into production and marketing practices that shaped the gaming landscape.
Additionally, the archive boasts over 100 hours of footage from the production of the Myst series, featuring behind-the-scenes content and interviews with the original development team. This access not only enriches the narrative of the Myst games but also supports upcoming projects like The Myst Documentary.
More to Explore
The VGHF Library will continue to expand, looking forward to more exciting additions such as:
- The first 100 CDs from GamePro magazine’s archives.
- Guidebooks and ephemera from video game events, including searchable directories from the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).
- A rich collection of promotional materials from FromSoftware, curated by citizen archivist Kris Urquhart.
With so much to offer, the VGHF’s digital archive is not just a resource—it's a celebration of the vibrant history of video games.
Conclusion
The launch of the Video Game History Foundation’s digital library opens up a new chapter in the preservation and study of video games.
Whether you’re a researcher, a developer, or just a fan, having free access to these incredible resources is an opportunity to learn, explore, and appreciate the art and craft of video game creation.
Dive in at library.gamehistory.org or https://archive.gamehistory.org/ and start your journey through the rich history of gaming today!
That's why I love ebooks: one day we'll have all the information we need at our fingertips in a little device like an ebook reader. But, of course, there's still a long way to go before we get there.
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