The Video Game History Foundation "VHGF) announced that a digital library has now opened early access that would help anyone who wants to study games.
The digital archive of video game research gives free access wherever you are in the world and provides a way for fans to study video game history.
The announcement noted that the preservation organization included game development materials from artwork to press kits and promotional material in the digital library.
Video Game History
Additionally, the company adds out-of-print magazines, both enthusiast press and publications that were "rarely available to the public." The digital library also features various video game events, such as searchable directories and maps for E3's first 12 years.
It also has a digital archive portal that has the "powerful search and navigation features that video game historians have asked us for."
The VGHF said that they work with the game development community to preserve design documents, artwork, and other unique items, according to Game Developer.
The VGHF added that it was now opening the resources they have for the public to help people discover for themselves how games were made and sold throughout history. Despite the free access to the digital library, there are some restrictions.
One is that because the company does not own or have express permission for everything that it was provided with, it cannot "give express permission" for users to reproduce any material that is found within the library itself. This is unless otherwise explicitly stated.
The VGHF's project was first announced in December 2023, and it is still in early access. The company said that it would continue to digitize and add more content to it as time passes to make it more expansive, Engadget said.
Early Access to a Digital Library
While the digital library is still in early access, it already has a lot for users to check out. It includes out-of-print publications such as Electronic Gaming Monthly and Nintendo Power, as well as industry trade magazines.
Additionally, the digital library features materials from behind the scenes of game development, including video recordings of developer Cyan's work on "Myst," as well as interviews with the team behind the project.
The VGHF said that it spent years collecting, cataloging, and digitizing video game history materials before opening up access to the public. They also include high-resolution scans of "Final Fantasy VII" artwork.
The digital library could become an invaluable resource for video game historians and enthusiasts to make use of in recording developments throughout time, according to Game Spot.
