The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) has launched its digital library, a significant development for anyone with an interest in the history of video games. Available now in early access at library.gamehistory.org, the library offers access to a substantial collection of materials, drawn from the VGHF’s physical archives.
This isn’t simply a repository of old games. The library contains a diverse range of items, including over 1,500 searchable, out-of-print magazines, development assets, artwork, marketing materials, and other ephemera spanning more than 50 years of gaming. The VGHF aims to broaden access to games history, and this digital library is a key part of that effort.
“This project has been ongoing since the foundation was established in 2017,” explains Frank Cifaldi, founder of the VGHF. “Our goal is to enable anyone to explore and understand the history of games, and we’re eager to see what discoveries this archive facilitates.”
The library’s search functionality allows users to explore by game, creator, publisher, and other metadata, across both public and previously internal documents. Researchers can investigate the influences behind games like Batman, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Myst, or delve into the archives of publications such as Game Informer, GamePro, and Next Generation. The library also provides access to more complex digital materials, including vintage art assets and archived websites, offering insights into game development and marketing processes.
What Can You Find in the VGHF’s Digital Library?
Key materials available to view now include:
- Comprehensive materials from early E3 events, including searchable directories and maps.
- A large international collection of FromSoftware promotional materials, donated by citizen archivist Kris Urquhart.
- 100 CDs of art and press releases from the GamePro archive.
- Over 100 hours of Myst series production footage, including previously unreleased interviews with the Cyan team.
- The Mark Flitman papers, documenting Flitman’s career at publishers including Konami, Acclaim, and Atari.
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“We believe that access to source material is essential for understanding game history,” says Phil Salvador, Library Director at the VGHF. “Our objective has always been to make our collections accessible to everyone, and this launch represents a major step towards that open digital future.”
The VGHF will continue to develop the library’s features and content. Further information and updates are available on BlueSky, their blog, and at gamehistory.org. Developers wishing to contribute materials can contact info@gamehistory.org.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.