The Video Game History Foundation has significantly enhanced its digital archive by making the entire collection of Computer Entertainer, one of the earliest American video game magazines, available for free. This magazine, which ran from 1982 to 1990, offers valuable insights into the home console gaming landscape of the mid-1980s, featuring reviews of classic titles like The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros. Unlike many other game magazines that disappeared during the early 1980s industry crash, Computer Entertainer survived and became a crucial source for gaming history. Its digitization was made possible through donations and collective efforts, allowing fans and historians to enjoy this rich archive under a Creative Commons license.

With its preservation efforts, the Video Game History Foundation not only emphasizes the importance of archiving gaming legacy but also engages in broader discussions about game accessibility and copyright laws.

What is the significance of the Computer Entertainer magazine in video game history?

The Computer Entertainer magazine is significant as it is one of the few surviving records of console gaming journalism during the 1980s, providing essential insights and reviews of iconic games from that era. Its survival during a tumultuous time for the gaming industry makes it a unique artifact in understanding the evolution of gaming culture.

Computer Entertainer started as The Video Game Update and became notable not just for its content but also for being co-edited by women, marking an important milestone in a predominantly male industry. The foundation's commitment to digital preservation aligns with global movements to safeguard video game history, demonstrating the ongoing passion for and importance of maintaining gaming’s heritage.