The Video Game History Foundation expands preservation by offering an early American games magazine for free

Video Game History Foundation offers early US games mag 'Computer Entertainer' free, enhancing preservation efforts.

: Video Game History Foundation celebrated its digital library launch by expanding its collection with 'Computer Entertainer,' an early American games magazine. Known for its unique role during the 1983-84 industry crash, it provided early American reviews and release dates. Co-edited by sisters, Marylou Badeaux and Celeste Dolan, the magazine is a key historical source. The Foundation's preservation included acquiring full publication rights and ensuring Creative Commons licensing for free public access.

The Video Game History Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and teaching video game history, has expanded its collection by making the entire run of 'Computer Entertainer' available for free. Celebrated for its pioneering role in video game journalism, the magazine was initially launched as a newsletter in 1982 and soon evolved into one of the first video game magazines in America. Its significance is underscored by its continuous publication through the industry crash of 1983–84, offering reviews and release dates during a crucial period. Moreover, it holds the distinction of being one of the earliest game magazines directed by women, with sisters Marylou Badeaux and Celeste Dolan co-editing the publication until its conclusion in 1990.

X wants to ensure rich historical resources are available to everyone interested in console gaming and the broader gaming culture. This preservation effort highlights the value of early game journalism as a cultural record and a source of information about the evolution of gaming. The Foundation's recent project emerged from a complete collection obtained from co-editor Marylou Badeaux, later complemented by additional materials from game historian Leonard Herman. After improving the quality of the original scans, the Foundation also acquired the necessary intellectual property rights, facilitating public access to the publication under a Creative Commons Attribution license.

Through its digital archive, the Foundation has made 'Computer Entertainer' and other publications available to the public, reflecting its mission to protect and distribute these historical resources freely. This project reflects the ongoing efforts within the gaming preservation community and parallels initiatives like the Stop Killing Games campaign. Such efforts aim to raise awareness and generate support for the preservation of digital gaming history, underscoring the importance of comprehensive efforts by historians, nonprofit organizations, and concerned players.

Further highlighting the significance of advocacy in digital preservation, the Foundation's actions signify an among ongoing collaboration with other industry players. This includes aligning with projects like those by GOG or petitions related to the Stop Killing Games campaign, which seek to secure legal and political support for preserving the gaming's digital records. Challenges persist, particularly as the U.S. Copyright Office has not supported DMCA exemptions needed to share out-of-print games digitally, leading to continued dialogue around access and licensing. These dynamics reveal the complex intersection of cultural preservation, technology, and intellectual property.

Sources: Video Game History Foundation, Eurogamer

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