Tag Archives: Video Game Archives

The Video Game History Foundation Opens Digital Library to the Public

The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) has announced that its extensive digital library of gaming publications will become accessible to the public starting next week. This move represents a significant milestone in the preservation and sharing of video game history, offering enthusiasts, researchers, and developers access to a treasure trove of historical gaming materials.

What the Digital Library Offers

The VGHF’s digital library includes scans of rare gaming magazines, strategy guides, promotional materials, and other print resources that document decades of gaming history. These materials, previously available only to researchers or through in-person visits, will now be accessible online for anyone interested in exploring the evolution of the video game industry.

Credit: Gamehistory.org

To protect the intellectual property rights of these materials, access will initially be limited to “controlled digital lending.” Users will need to check out specific materials from the library, similar to borrowing books from a physical library. This approach ensures the preservation of copyright while still enabling public access to invaluable resources.

Why This Matters

The opening of the VGHF’s digital library underscores the importance of preserving video game history. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, many early gaming materials risk being lost or forgotten. The Foundation’s efforts aim to safeguard these artefacts, providing a window into how games were created, marketed, and received by audiences over the years.

For gamers and researchers alike, this library offers a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of the gaming industry, from iconic console launches to forgotten titles that shaped the medium.

About the Video Game History Foundation

Founded in 2017, the VGHF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of video games. The Foundation works to digitise and archive materials, ensuring that the legacy of gaming is not lost to time.

For more details on the digital library and how to access it, visit the official Video Game History Foundation website.

GOG Joins European Federation to Bolster Game Preservation Efforts

GOG, a prominent European digital game distribution platform, has become a member of the European Federation of Game Archives, Museums, and Preservation Projects (EFGAMP). This coalition, established in 2012, is dedicated to preserving video games as cultural heritage.

Credit: GoG

EFGAMP comprises over 20 heritage institutions, including VIGAMUS in Rome, MO5.COM in France, and the Computerspielemuseum in Berlin. GOG’s inclusion marks the first Polish institution to join, bridging the private sector with cultural organizations across Europe.

Maciej Gołębiewski, Managing Director at GOG, stated, “GOG was created with video game preservation in mind.” He highlighted the GOG Preservation Program, launched in 2024, which ensures compatibility for over 100 classic games, delivering hundreds of enhancements to keep them accessible on modern systems.

Andreas Lange, COO of EFGAMP, welcomed GOG’s membership, noting that GOG’s experience in making classic games accessible complements the work of existing members and brings additional digital expertise to collective preservation efforts.

GOG’s collaboration with EFGAMP underscores the growing importance of preserving digital media. As concerns about the disappearance of digital content increase, initiatives like this play a crucial role in maintaining access to the titles that have shaped the gaming medium.

By joining EFGAMP, GOG reinforces its dedication to protecting gaming’s cultural legacy, ensuring that players worldwide can continue to enjoy classic games for years to come.

For more information, visit the official announcement.