Sheffield Launches Initiative to Preserve Video Game Heritage

Sheffield is gearing up to enhance its efforts aimed at safeguarding the nation’s video gaming history through an innovative cultural project.

The city hosts the National Videogame Museum, which features Behind the Screens, the inaugural attempt to establish a comprehensive archive dedicated to video game design.

As developers increasingly move away from tangible releases, the preservation of games as cultural treasures becomes vital. This initiative also seeks to capture the personal narratives of individuals who have experienced gaming.

Backed by the Screen Heritage Fund from the British Film Institute, Behind the Screens has ambitious plans.

Surveying Game Development Materials

A key initial task involves conducting a thorough inventory of game-related materials residing in development studios.

The ultimate goal is to develop a connected national archive that preserves video game design for future generations.

Additionally, the project aims to engage with players, gathering insights about their gaming experiences and the cultural significance of those interactions within the UK.

At the National Videogame Museum, a collection of vintage arcade machines from the industry’s formative years is maintained while also preserving developers’ notes and downloadable content that is no longer accessible to the public.

John O’Shea from the museum described the work as a combination of technical skills. ‘What we do is really carefully check every component and make sure that the games are going out and working in the best possible way,’ he stated.

He elaborated that games like Space Invaders encompass both electronic and coding elements, but materials deteriorate over time, necessitating the attention of skilled engineers.

“Nowadays, video games serve as interactive social environments. Consider Fortnite, where players actively engage in this virtual space, not merely as observers but as creators,” he remarked.

“We aim to honor that experience as a significant aspect of cultural history.”

Documenting Gaming’s Cultural Influence

The initiative will also compile an oral history exploring the cultural ramifications of gaming, which will contribute to an exhibition.

Nick Poole from UK Interactive Entertainment noted that the influence of games is often underestimated.

“This cultural medium is shaping the experiences of billions of players worldwide every day,” he asserted.

He emphasized that much of this culture is intangible, existing in the games played online and the activities behind the scenes.

“It’s crucial to capture those moments and narrate that story. Gaming is pervasive and transformative, yet unlike some traditional media, it often lacks physical preservation.”