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The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) opened early access to its digital library on January 30, 2025. Anyone can browse its public digital materials online for free, without special credentials—but the archive is for studying video game history, not downloading or playing commercial games. Its catalog and digitized collections are still growing, and permission to reuse a scan depends on the item.
What is in the VGHF library?
The library brings together historical research materials related to video games, including development documents, production materials, magazines, artwork, press assets, promotional items, event guides and ephemera, and research reports. The Foundation’s launch announcement described the collection as a resource for studying video game history, not as a storefront or game service. VGHF’s launch announcement introduced materials including previously unseen development documents, artwork, press kits, and promotional items.
Launch examples included the Mark Flitman papers; the first 100 CDs from GamePro’s art and press release archives, reformatted for browser viewing; and searchable E3 directories and maps covering the event’s first 12 years. The announcement also highlighted international FromSoftware promotional materials collected by Kris Urquhart and donated with the company’s blessing. These are examples from the launch, not a complete list of what the Foundation holds.
The current archive organizes materials into categories such as Commercial Game Materials, Development and Production Materials, Event Guides and Ephemera, Gaming Cultural Ephemera, Magazine Library, Press Materials, Promotional Materials, and Research and Reports.
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Is the Video Game History Foundation library free?
Yes. VGHF says publicly available digital materials can be accessed online anywhere in the world without special credentials. The free access applies to materials available through the public digital portal; it does not mean every item in the Foundation’s holdings is online.
How do the catalog and digital archive differ?
The public catalog and the digital archive describe related but different sets of material. The catalog covers collections that have been cataloged and are available to the public. The digital archive help page describes the portal as containing items that have been processed and have a digital copy available to the public.
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As a result, a catalog record does not guarantee that a scan can be viewed online. Some materials are not yet digitized, some holdings are still being processed, and the Foundation says cataloging and digitization continue as resources and staff time allow. The public catalog should not be treated as a complete inventory of everything VGHF owns.
Can you play games in the VGHF archive?
No. The archive provides historical documentation about games, not playable copies. VGHF says it generally does not collect retail games and has no plans to make games available for researchers to play. Its FAQ also cites US copyright restrictions affecting digital access to out-of-print games. A scan of a game-related document is not a download of the game itself. The Foundation’s FAQ explains its approach to access and games.
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Can you request materials that are not online?
Potentially. VGHF says researchers may ask staff about access to original or unprocessed materials. Such access is handled separately from the free public digital archive: it may be offered as a paid service and is subject to staff discretion. A request is not a guarantee of access, and the Foundation notes that high demand may delay or prevent a response.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you reuse scans in an article, video, or book?
Do not assume that a scan visible in the archive is cleared for republication. VGHF says it often does not own the intellectual property in the materials and cannot grant blanket permission to reproduce them. It describes relying on fair use for some materials in creating an educational research tool; that is the Foundation’s explanation of its own approach, not a legal ruling or a general license for users.
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Check the notes for the specific item or collection and the archive’s researcher terms, which limit use to research or private study. If you intend to publish or distribute an image or document, seek permission from the relevant rights holder or obtain appropriate rights advice. Visit the digital archive to browse its materials and associated information.
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