Before the internet era, video game magazines were the primary connection between gamers and the gaming industry. These publications offered news, reviews, interviews, and community-building through letters pages. However, most collections were discarded over time, lacking the cultural significance of music or film publications. Recently, there has been a renewed appreciation for these magazines as valuable historical resources. Institutions like the Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) are now digitizing and preserving these archives, recognizing their importance in documenting the evolution of gaming culture.

In the pre-internet days, gaming enthusiasts relied heavily on print media to stay connected with the latest trends and developments in the industry. Magazines such as Crash, Mega, PC Gamer, and the Official PlayStation Magazine provided essential insights into new releases, developer interviews, and player experiences. Despite their significance, many issues were discarded due to limited storage space and lack of recognition of their cultural value. This trend continued well into the 1990s, where countless old issues ended up in skips for pulping, much to the dismay of those who now realize their historical worth.

Today, the tide is turning as thousands of video game veterans recognize the importance of these magazines. Surviving copies are fetching high prices on platforms like eBay, and efforts are underway to preserve this legacy. One notable initiative comes from the VGHF, which recently announced the opening of its digital archive containing 1,500 issues of mostly American games magazines, along with art books and other printed materials. This archive will be fully searchable, making it an invaluable resource for academics, creators, and enthusiasts alike.

The preservation of video game magazines goes beyond nostalgia; it offers a sociocultural narrative that complements the games themselves. According to John O’Shea, creative director at the National Videogame Museum, these publications provide perspectives on players, fans, and industry trends. They reveal what was emphasized and what was overlooked during specific periods, offering direct access to historical contexts. For instance, early 2010s magazines predominantly featured male characters, reflecting the demographics targeted by advertisers and publishers.

Magazines also shed light on player culture and discussions surrounding games. Letters pages captured conversations about various topics, providing insight into the community's interests and concerns. This context is crucial for understanding how games were perceived and experienced at different times. Both the VGHF and the National Videogame Museum rely on donations to expand their collections, highlighting the importance of preserving these records. Many magazine publishers have incomplete archives, making initiatives like these even more critical.

Looking back, it becomes clear that contemporary reporting often revealed uncertainties and complexities within the gaming industry. Video game magazines challenge the linear narrative of history, particularly the deterministic view that more powerful technology would inevitably lead to success. When exploring the VGHF’s digital archive, one can see that there was no consensus on the success of consoles like the Sega Mega Drive or the original PlayStation. In this uncertain era, the voices preserved in these magazines are more important than ever, offering a richer, more nuanced understanding of gaming history.