Sheffield is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to safeguard the cultural legacy of video games in the UK. The National Videogame Museum, located in the city, has launched “Behind the Screens,” a pioneering project aimed at establishing the first national archive dedicated to video game design. This effort comes at a critical time as the gaming industry shifts away from physical releases, highlighting the need to preserve both games and the experiences they offer.
Supported by the British Film Institute’s Screen Heritage Fund, “Behind the Screens” seeks to conduct an extensive survey of game materials housed by development studios. The ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive, networked archive that will serve as a repository for future generations. This initiative not only focuses on the technical aspects of game preservation but also aims to document the cultural impact of gaming by gathering player experiences and narratives.
The Importance of Preserving Video Games
The significance of maintaining video games as cultural assets cannot be overstated. As John O’Shea from the National Videogame Museum explains, the project involves meticulous work with both hardware and software. “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 noted. This dual approach ensures that classic games like “Space Invaders” remain operational despite the inevitable degradation of electronic components over time.
O’Shea also emphasized the evolving nature of video games as social spaces. “If you think about Fortnite, you’re spending a lot of time within this space, not just passively, but actually creating things. We want to celebrate that as a really rich cultural experience,” he said. This recognition of games as interactive cultural phenomena underscores the project’s broader mission.
Capturing the Intangible Cultural Impact
In addition to preserving the physical and digital artifacts of gaming, “Behind the Screens” aims to capture the intangible cultural impact of games. Nick Poole from UK Interactive Entertainment highlighted the often-overlooked cultural significance of gaming. “This is a cultural medium that’s defining culture for billions of players around the world daily,” he stated. “It’s so important to be able to capture those moments and tell that story.”
“A lot of that culture is intangible. It’s the games people play online, it’s what they’re doing behind the screens. It is literally everywhere and it’s changing lives, but unlike some previous media it’s not always going to be kept physically.” – Nick Poole
The project plans to include an oral history component, documenting the cultural impact of gaming through exhibitions. This approach aims to provide a holistic view of gaming’s role in shaping modern culture, ensuring that the stories and experiences of players are preserved alongside the games themselves.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Game Preservation
The establishment of a national video game archive represents a significant step forward in the recognition of video games as vital cultural artifacts. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, projects like “Behind the Screens” will play a crucial role in preserving the history and cultural impact of this dynamic medium. By creating a comprehensive archive and documenting player experiences, Sheffield’s initiative sets a precedent for how cultural institutions can adapt to the digital age.
As the project progresses, it will likely inspire similar efforts worldwide, highlighting the universal importance of preserving video game heritage. The initiative not only safeguards the past but also paves the way for future generations to appreciate and learn from the cultural phenomena that video games represent.
