The Video Game History Foundation has launched early access to its physical library located in Oakland, California. This library houses a massive collection of video game history materials including design documents, marketing assets, and rare publications, making it a valuable resource for researchers, journalists, and game developers. While the official opening is set for later, this early access period allows select groups to explore the collection and provide feedback. Interested parties can apply for access through the foundation's website, with wider public access planned for the future. This marks a significant milestone for video game preservation and provides a dedicated space for the study and appreciation of gaming history.
The Video Game History Foundation has digitized and made publicly available a vast archive of old video game magazines, spanning decades and covering various platforms. This free online resource includes searchable PDFs of publications like Computer and Video Games, Mean Machines, and Edge, offering valuable insights into the history of the gaming industry, including early reviews, developer interviews, and period advertising. The archive aims to preserve gaming history and provide a resource for researchers, journalists, and anyone interested in exploring the evolution of video games.
Hacker News users generally lauded the Video Game History Foundation's digitization efforts. Several commenters expressed nostalgia for specific magazines like Computer Gaming World and Next Generation, highlighting their importance in shaping gaming culture and providing early access to information. Some discussed the challenges of preserving physical media and the value of digital archives for accessibility and research. Others pointed out the potential copyright issues with distributing ROMs and the importance of distinguishing between archiving and piracy. A few users also shared anecdotes about their experiences with these magazines and the impact they had on their interest in gaming. The overall sentiment is one of strong support for the project and appreciation for the preservation of gaming history.
Summary of Comments ( 48 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42926076
Commenters on Hacker News expressed excitement about the Video Game History Foundation library opening in early access. Several praised the VGHF's work in preserving video game history, emphasizing the importance of archiving source code and design documents for future research and understanding. Some discussed the challenges of preserving older game formats and the technical expertise required. There was also interest in the potential for researchers and developers to access the library's resources, with some hoping it might lead to new insights into game design or even inspire new games. A few commenters shared personal anecdotes about lost or forgotten games, highlighting the need for initiatives like the VGHF library. The potential for future expansion of the library and its resources was also a point of discussion.
The Hacker News post titled "The Video Game History Foundation library opens in early access" (linking to gamehistory.org/vghf-library-launch/) generated a modest amount of discussion, with a handful of comments expressing interest and support for the initiative.
Several commenters praised the Video Game History Foundation's efforts to preserve video game history, highlighting the importance of archiving and making accessible materials related to the gaming industry's past. One commenter specifically applauded the Foundation's focus on preserving source code and design documents, recognizing the value of these artifacts for researchers, developers, and enthusiasts. Another commenter expressed excitement about the potential for exploring early builds and prototypes of classic games, emphasizing the opportunity to understand the evolution of game design.
Some commenters also discussed the challenges associated with video game preservation, including the complexities of copyright law, the technical hurdles of emulating older hardware and software, and the sheer volume of material that needs to be preserved. One commenter pointed out the frequent loss of game assets and documentation due to companies discarding or mismanaging their archives. Another lamented the difficulty in acquiring certain games and consoles, hindering the ability of individuals to experience older titles.
There was also discussion about the library's early access nature and future development. Commenters expressed curiosity about the library's long-term funding model and the types of materials that will be added to the collection in the future. One commenter specifically asked about plans to include pre-release builds and prototypes. There was a general sense of anticipation and hope that the library will continue to grow and become a valuable resource for the gaming community and researchers alike. There wasn't significant controversy or dissenting opinions present in the comments; the overall sentiment was positive and supportive of the Video Game History Foundation's endeavor.