Starting January 30, the Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) is set to unveil its digital archives to the public. Although still in development, this collection promises to be one of the largest resources dedicated to preserving the rich history of video games. It will include over 1,500 issues of out-of-print game magazines, along with promotional materials and various game development assets.
Since its inception in 2017, the VGHF has aimed to make this digital archive accessible. Instead of merely scanning every item and dumping them onto the Internet Archive, their mission is to create a resource that not only preserves games but also supports research into video game history. The archive will offer searchable functions for specific games, publishers, authors, and even quirky, unique terms. If you’re curious about where the term “Metroidvania” first appeared, this archive will soon help you pinpoint it. As the archive continues to grow, users will also be able to explore a collection of unprocessed materials from VGHF.
Despite housing an extensive library of playable games, the VGHF’s physical archives face restrictions due to the current anti-circumvention rules outlined in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). These rules prevent remote access unless the US Copyright Office permits an exception that allows the VGHF to bypass copy protection on these titles, meaning the digital archive remains limited to visual content for now.
It’s important to remember that the Video Game History Foundation is a non-profit entity, relying heavily on the generosity of the public. If you’re passionate about supporting the preservation of gaming history, consider visiting the VGHF website to discover how you can contribute.
