The National Videogame Museum has initiated a survey across the United Kingdom focused on the conservation of video games
The National Videogame Museum in the UK has initiated a survey titled "Behind the Screens" to assess the status of video game preservation within the nation. This initiative, funded by the BFI's Screen Heritage Fund and in collaboration with Ukie, aims to gather details from a range of stakeholders such as developers, publishers, studios, former industry members, and collectors concerning their video game collections. These collections might consist of various items including development materials, hardware, design documents, artwork, marketing resources, and company records. The survey also seeks insights on preservation attitudes within the sector.
The museum expects the survey outcomes to steer discussions on advancing the preservation, celebration, and sharing of the UK's video game history. Additionally, it hopes to pinpoint areas where the industry could collaborate to conserve vulnerable materials.
John O'Shea, who serves as the co-CEO and creative director of the National Videogame Museum, emphasized the importance of preserving the UK's acclaimed video game heritage. "The UK games industry has created world-renowned games, studios and talent, but much of that history risks being lost if it isn't actively preserved. This survey is an important first step in understanding what already exists and how we can work together to protect the UK's videogame legacy for future generations," he stated.
Nick Poole, the CEO of Ukie, remarked that the survey marks a step forward in acknowledging and conserving the industry’s legacy. Meanwhile, Marta Berto, the Screen Heritage Fund manager at BFI, noted that the endeavor aligns with the BFI's decade-long Screen Culture 2033 strategy, which encompasses games within the broader context of the UK's screen culture.
Since its inception in Sheffield in 2018, the National Videogame Museum has attracted over 350,000 visitors. Its vast collection includes nearly 5,000 items related to video games, such as consoles, arcade machines, and various memorabilia.