adminThe National Videogame Museum has launched a UK-wide video game preservation survey to build a clearer picture of the collections and historical materials held across the country. Called Behind the Screens, the project aims to help identify what exists and where cooperation could support the long-term protection of the UK’s videogame heritage.
Image credit: The National Videogame Museum
What the video game preservation survey is collecting
The survey invites developers, publishers, studios, former games-industry professionals and collectors to share information about video game-related collections in their care. The materials may range from development resources and artwork to hardware, design documents, marketing materials and company archives.
It also asks participants about attitudes towards preservation within the industry. Together, information about collections and industry perspectives can help show which kinds of material are already being kept, as well as where preservation efforts may need greater attention.
Anyone preparing to take part can make the process more straightforward by first noting what types of material they hold and, where possible, gathering basic information about those items. This can help provide a clearer overview without requiring a collection to be large or publicly accessible.
Why preserving games history matters
Video game history is recorded in more than finished games. Design documents, artwork, promotional assets, hardware and company records can all help explain how games were created and how the industry developed. If these materials are not actively cared for, parts of that history may become difficult to study or share.
The National Videogame Museum says the survey findings will inform conversations about how the UK can preserve, celebrate and share its games heritage. The work is also intended to highlight opportunities for collaboration that could help safeguard material considered at risk.
For organisations and individuals with relevant collections, an inventory can be a useful first step. Keeping basic descriptions together makes it easier to understand what is held and to discuss potential preservation needs with other collection holders.
Support from the games and screen heritage sectors
The museum is running the project in partnership with trade body Ukie, with funding from the BFI’s Screen Heritage Fund. National Videogame Museum co-CEO and creative director John O’Shea described the survey as an initial step towards understanding existing collections and working together to protect the UK’s videogame legacy.
Ukie CEO Nick Poole said the project helps recognise and preserve the industry’s legacy. Marta Berto, manager of the BFI Screen Heritage Fund, said the work supports the BFI’s 10-year Screen Culture 2033 strategy, which includes games within the UK’s wider screen culture.
The National Videogame Museum’s collection
The National Videogame Museum opened in Sheffield in 2018 and has welcomed more than 350,000 visitors, according to the museum. Its collection includes close to 5,000 video game-related objects, such as consoles, arcade machines and other memorabilia.
The Behind the Screens survey is open. Its findings are intended to help build a more complete understanding of the collections held across the country. The video game preservation survey could therefore provide a useful foundation for future discussions about protecting and sharing the UK’s games heritage.
