National Videogame Museum launches UK-wide survey on game preservation
The National Videogame Museum has launched a UK-wide survey initiative called “Behind the Screens” to assess the current state of video game preservation across the country. The project represents a coordinated effort to document and understand existing game collections held by various stakeholders in the gaming industry and broader community.
The survey is being conducted in partnership with Ukie, the UK games industry trade body, and has received funding from the BFI’s Screen Heritage Fund. These partnerships underscore the significance of the preservation effort and its recognition as a matter of cultural importance.
The Behind the Screens survey targets a broad range of respondents, including game developers, publishers, game studios, former industry professionals, and private collectors. Participants are asked to share details about any game-related collections they currently hold. The scope of collectible materials is extensive, encompassing game development materials, artwork, hardware, design documents, marketing assets, and company archives.
Beyond simply cataloging existing collections, the survey also seeks to understand attitudes toward preservation within the gaming industry itself. This dual approach—mapping what exists while gauging industry sentiment—will provide insight into both the current preservation landscape and potential barriers or opportunities for future coordinated efforts across the UK gaming sector.