In a significant move to preserve the cultural heritage of video games, Sheffield is spearheading a national project aimed at creating a comprehensive archive of video game design. The initiative, dubbed “Behind the Screens,” is spearheaded by the National Videogame Museum and supported by the British Film Institute’s Screen Heritage Fund. This project seeks to ensure that the evolution of video games, now increasingly digital and less reliant on physical releases, is documented for future generations.
As part of this pioneering effort, the museum will conduct the first detailed survey of materials held by development studios across the UK. The objective is to build a networked national archive that not only preserves the games themselves but also captures the stories and experiences of players who have engaged with these games over the years. John O’Shea, a representative from the museum, emphasized the dual nature of their work: maintaining the physical arcade machines while also curating the intangible elements of gaming culture.
The National Videogame Museum houses an impressive collection of vintage arcade machines, alongside developer notes and downloadable content that is no longer accessible to consumers. “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,” O’Shea explained. He underscored the importance of preserving classics like “Space Invaders,” noting that while the electronics and coding are critical, the physical materials deteriorate over time, necessitating ongoing engineering care.
The project will also gather oral histories from players, documenting their experiences and the cultural significance of video games within the UK. Nick Poole, representative of the industry body UK Interactive Entertainment, pointed out that games often get overlooked as a significant cultural medium. “This is a cultural medium that’s defining culture for billions of players around the world daily,” he stated, highlighting the challenge of capturing the intangible aspects of gaming culture that occur behind the screens. “It’s so important to be able to capture those moments and tell that story,” he added.
The significance of this project extends beyond mere preservation; it aims to celebrate the role of video games as social spaces, particularly in the context of modern gaming experiences like “Fortnite,” where players actively create and interact within the game world. The National Videogame Museum’s mission aligns with a broader cultural recognition of gaming as a vital part of contemporary society.
With an eye toward the future, the “Behind the Screens” project promises to document the ever-evolving landscape of video games, ensuring that this influential medium is preserved not just as entertainment, but as a critical component of global culture. By creating a national archive, the initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding of the impact and legacy of video games, making it clear that gaming is not merely a pastime, but a defining cultural experience that resonates across generations.
