Dr. Flori Pierri, Associate Curator of Science and Technology at the MIT Museum, recently shared insights into the critical and often complex work of preserving video game history during an episode of the Video Game History Hour. Her journey, spanning from the foundational elements of computing to the immersive realities of modern virtual worlds, highlights the museum’s growing commitment to understanding and safeguarding this increasingly significant cultural and technological domain. The MIT Museum, known for its diverse collections ranging from pioneering scientific instruments to early photographic works, has recently placed a notable emphasis on computer games and the broader concept of "play," a focus underscored by the acquisition of the Michael Dornbrook Collection and ambitious plans for a major computer game exhibition slated for 2028.

A Curatorial Odyssey: From Vacuum Tubes to Virtual Worlds

Dr. Pierri’s professional trajectory offers a compelling narrative of how scientific and technological artifacts, regardless of their perceived ephemerality, merit rigorous preservation. Her oversight at the MIT Museum encompasses a wide array of collections, each representing a distinct facet of human ingenuity and scientific endeavor. This broad scope has naturally led to an appreciation for the historical significance of video games, which, while often viewed as entertainment, are deeply interwoven with advancements in computing, software development, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction.

The transition from analog and early digital technologies to the sophisticated, digital-native experiences of contemporary video games presents a unique set of challenges for curators. Unlike physical artifacts that may degrade over time but retain a tangible form, born-digital objects—including video games—face obsolescence due to rapidly evolving hardware, software, and file formats. Dr. Pierri articulated the necessity of preserving not just the game itself, but also the context in which it was created and experienced, including the original hardware, operating systems, and even the cultural milieu.

The Michael Dornbrook Collection: A Cornerstone for Game History

A pivotal development in the MIT Museum’s engagement with video game history is the acquisition of the Michael Dornbrook Collection. This collection represents a significant investment in documenting the evolution of computer gaming. Michael Dornbrook, a prominent figure in the early computer game industry, amassed a substantial archive of materials that provides invaluable primary source material for understanding the genesis and growth of this field. The scope of such a collection typically includes development documents, marketing materials, source code, hardware prototypes, and personal correspondence, all of which are crucial for a comprehensive historical account.

The significance of collections like Dornbrook’s lies in their ability to offer a granular view of innovation. For instance, the early days of computing saw monumental machines like the Whirlwind I, developed at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory in the late 1940s and early 1950s, which laid groundwork for real-time computing and laid the foundation for future computational advancements. While Whirlwind I was a military project, its development fostered an environment of computational exploration that indirectly influenced later technological developments, including those that would eventually lead to interactive digital experiences. The "Royal Game of the Dolphin," an early 19th-century game, serves as a historical marker of the human desire for interactive amusement, predating digital technologies but illustrating a fundamental human impulse that video games now fulfill.

The Imperative of Original Equipment

Dr. Pierri emphasized the museum’s strong stance on the importance of using original equipment for exhibits. This approach is not merely about authenticity; it is about preserving the integrity of the historical experience. Playing a game on its intended hardware, with its original display and input devices, offers an unparalleled insight into the technological limitations and creative solutions of the era. For example, the tactile feel of an early joystick, the visual fidelity of a CRT monitor, or the auditory feedback of a primitive sound chip are all integral components of the original user experience. Replicating these experiences accurately is vital for scholarly research and public understanding.

The challenges associated with maintaining and operating vintage computing hardware are substantial. These machines often require specialized knowledge for repair and maintenance, and sourcing compatible components can be exceedingly difficult. Museums must invest in skilled technicians and archival storage environments that can protect sensitive electronic components from environmental degradation. Furthermore, the operational requirements of such systems, including power consumption and cooling, add another layer of logistical complexity.

Preserving Born-Digital Objects: A New Frontier

The advent of "born-digital" objects—those that exist solely in a digital format from their inception—presents a paradigm shift in archival practices. Video games are prime examples of this category. Unlike a printed book or a physical sculpture, a digital game is comprised of code, data, and assets that are intrinsically tied to the software and hardware environments for which they were designed. As these environments become obsolete, the games themselves risk becoming inaccessible.

This challenge is compounded by the rapid pace of technological change. Software dependencies, operating system updates, and the discontinuation of online services can render digital games unplayable even if the original media (like a CD-ROM or cartridge) is intact. Dr. Pierri highlighted this "new challenge," which necessitates the development of innovative preservation strategies. These strategies often involve emulation – the use of software to mimic the behavior of original hardware and operating systems – as well as digital forensics and the creation of comprehensive digital archives that capture not only the game files but also the surrounding metadata and environmental information.

The concept of "digital obsolescence" is a significant concern. For instance, early graphical adventures that relied on specific graphics drivers or sound cards might not run on modern operating systems without significant adaptation. The work of pioneers like Claude Elwood Shannon, often referred to as the "father of information theory," laid the theoretical groundwork for understanding information transmission and storage, principles that are fundamental to digital preservation. His work at Bell Labs in the mid-20th century, focused on communication systems, provided the mathematical framework for dealing with data, a concept that has evolved dramatically but remains central to preserving our digital heritage.

Engaging the Public and Researchers

The MIT Museum’s efforts extend beyond mere acquisition and storage; they are deeply invested in making these collections accessible and engaging for both the public and academic researchers. The planned 2028 computer game exhibition is envisioned as a significant public-facing initiative, aiming to educate a broad audience about the historical and cultural significance of video games. Such exhibitions can demystify the technology, showcase artistic achievements, and explore the social impact of gaming.

For researchers, the museum provides access to a wealth of primary source materials. The collection of unreleased Infocom game materials, for example, is of immense value to scholars studying game design, narrative development, and the history of interactive fiction. Infocom, a legendary company known for its text-based adventure games like Zork, produced some of the most influential titles in early computer gaming. Access to their unreleased materials—early drafts, design documents, and internal memos—offers unparalleled insight into their creative process and the challenges of developing complex interactive narratives in a nascent digital landscape. These materials can reveal discarded concepts, alternative plotlines, and the iterative nature of game development, providing a richer understanding of the final products.

The museum’s outreach also includes digital platforms. Providing access to searchable collection databases, as seen on the MIT Museum website, allows individuals worldwide to explore their holdings. This digital accessibility is crucial for democratizing historical research and fostering a global community of interest in video game history.

The Future of Video Game Preservation

The work being undertaken at the MIT Museum, spearheaded by curators like Dr. Flori Pierri, represents a crucial effort to safeguard a vital aspect of modern culture and technology. As video games continue to evolve in complexity and cultural impact, the challenges of their preservation will only grow. The museum’s proactive approach, combining the acquisition of significant collections, the commitment to original equipment, and innovative strategies for born-digital preservation, sets a precedent for how cultural institutions can engage with this dynamic field.

The implications of effective video game preservation are far-reaching. It ensures that future generations can study, appreciate, and learn from the history of interactive entertainment and computing. It allows for a deeper understanding of technological innovation, artistic expression, and the evolving relationship between humans and digital media. The efforts of the MIT Museum, and organizations like the Video Game History Foundation, are essential in ensuring that this rich and complex history is not lost to the relentless march of technological obsolescence. The ongoing dialogue and collaboration between museums, researchers, and the public will be key to navigating the future of video game preservation.

Supporting the Mission

The Video Game History Hour podcast, where Dr. Pierri shared these insights, serves as a vital platform for disseminating information about video game history and preservation efforts. Available through platforms like Patreon, Spotify, and the Video Game History Foundation’s website, it underscores the collaborative nature of this field. Support for such initiatives, whether through direct contributions to organizations like the Video Game History Foundation or by engaging with their content, is instrumental in continuing this critical work. The preservation of video game history is not just an academic pursuit; it is an endeavor to document and understand a significant chapter of human technological and cultural achievement.