Digital Archives of the Video Game History Foundation Launch on January 30

Beginning January 30th, the Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) is set to unveil its digital archives to the world. Although still evolving, this collection is poised to become one of the most extensive resources for the study and preservation of video game history. It will boast more than 1,500 issues of rare, out-of-print gaming magazines, alongside promotional materials and other game development assets.

Ever since its inception in 2017, creating an accessible digital archive has been a major ambition for VGHF. Simply scanning the entire library and putting it up on the Internet Archive wasn’t the plan for them. They wanted their archives to be a valuable research tool, enhancing the games they preserve with enriched content. To achieve this, the digital archive offers the ability to search for specific games, publishers, and authors. You can even dive into some intriguingly specific queries. Curious about when the term “Metroidvania” first appeared? You’ll be able to track it down in this archive. Since the task of uploading and cataloging these items is continuous, you’ll also have a chance to explore a range of unprocessed materials from their collection.

The physical archives of VGHF host a comprehensive library of playable games. However, due to current anti-circumvention rules in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), remote access is restricted. Unless the Copyright Office in the U.S. grants a special exception allowing them to bypass the copy protection on these titles, the digital version will be limited to visual assets only.

Just a quick reminder: VGHF is a non-profit organization, relying mainly on public donations. Should you feel inclined to support their crucial mission of preserving the history of gaming, head over to the VGHF website to find the best way for you to pitch in.