National Videogame Museum launches UK preservation survey

The National Videogame Museum has launched ‘Behind the Screens’, a UK-wide survey designed to map the current state of video game preservation and identify materials at risk of being lost. Conducted in partnership with the trade body Ukie and funded by the BFI’s Screen Heritage Fund, the initiative seeks input from developers, publishers, studios, collectors, and former industry professionals.

The survey covers a wide range of assets, including hardware, artwork, design documents, marketing materials, and company archives. According to museum co-CEO John O'Shea, the project is a vital step in understanding existing collections to protect the UK's videogame legacy. The findings are intended to inform future discussions on how to preserve and share the nation's gaming heritage through industry collaboration.