Video Game Company Collections

The International Center for the History of Electronic Games holds tens of thousands of artifacts and library and archival items that represent and reflect the impact of particular manufacturers on the evolution of video games and society. ICHEG works with companies to help preserve those individual historical contributions. Items described here include large or otherwise distinct assemblages provided to ICHEG by specific manufacturers. These collections include either software or hardware, or both, or one or both in addition to archival items. Other materials related to these companies, but not provided by them, may be found in other ICHEG collections categories according to type.

Microsoft Collection

Microsoft has been a key innovator in the electronic game market and sold products totaling billions of dollars over the years. This collection represents a wide sweep of the corporation’s gaming history and includes more than 200 items. Among these are more than 70 games for the PC, Xbox, and Xbox 360; dozens of examples of hardware and accessories, including consoles and controllers; prototypes for Xbox 360 and Kinect and a beta version of Xbox Live Starter Kit; and 15 examples of the many awards the corporation has received for various innovations and sales milestones. Also included are miscellaneous posters, images, and promotional materials.

Westwood Studios Collection

Westwood Studios is recognized worldwide for having created and popularized real time strategy games (RTS). The collection includes more than 500 items chronicling Westwood’s innovative history and extends from the company’s early days of producing games for the Amiga and Commodore 64 to 2003. RTS games such as the pioneering Dune II and Command & Conquer (which spawned many sequels) form a major portion of the collection. Also present are early games such as Eye of the Beholder, an Advanced Dungeons & Dragons game, and mass market titles such as Monopoly and Lion King. Other items include artwork, development and marketing materials, and related artifacts such as costumes worn by actors for filmed scenes in games.