Starting January 30, the Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) is set to open its digital archives for public access. Still a work in progress, this collection promises to become one of the largest dedicated to preserving and studying video game history. It will feature over 1,500 issues of out-of-print gaming magazines alongside promotional materials and other development assets.
Since VGHF’s inception in 2017, creating an accessible digital archive has been one of its key ambitions. Scanning everything and simply uploading it to the Internet Archive wasn’t enough for them. Their goal is to create a resource that truly enhances the understanding and research of video game history. To achieve this, the archive offers advanced search functions where you can look for specific games, publishers, authors, or even quirky search terms. Curious about when “Metroidvania” was first mentioned? You’ll be able to find that information in the archive. Since the process of uploading and cataloging is ongoing, you’ll also get the chance to explore a collection of unprocessed materials.
While the physical archives of VGHF house an impressive library of playable titles, current DMCA anti-circumvention rules restrict remote access. Unless an exception is granted by the US Copyright Office allowing them to bypass copy protection, the digital archives will focus on visual assets alone.
It’s worth noting that the Video Game History Foundation is a non-profit organization and relies heavily on public donations. If you’re passionate about preserving the rich history of gaming, consider visiting the VGHF website to explore how you can support their valuable work.
