Research

The International Center for the History of Electronic Games^® collects, studies, and interprets video games, other electronic games, and related materials and the ways in which electronic games are changing how people play, learn, and connect with each other, including across boundaries of culture and geography.

ICHEG defines electronic games broadly to include video games, computer games, console games, arcade games, handheld games, and toys that combine digital and traditional play. At more than 36,000 items and growing, the ICHEG collections constitute the largest and most comprehensive public assemblage of electronic games and game-related historical materials in the United States and one of the largest in the world. In addition to games and the platforms on which they are played, the collections include game packaging and advertising, game-related publications, game-inspired consumer products and other items that illustrate the impact of electronic games on people’s lives, and personal and business papers of key figures in the electronic games industry.

On-site access to the ICHEG collections

Individual artifacts from the ICHEG collections are incorporated into a variety of exhibits and displays at The Strong's National Museum of Play, where numerous examples are available for guests to play. On-site access to the full ICHEG collection is available to researchers by appointment.

Appointments may be made via an online form, or by sending an email to jpdyson@thestrong.org. Please provide a topic of research, indicate the materials desired, and any special needs.

Online access to the collections

The International Center for the History of Electronic Games is in the process of making its collections catalog accessible online, thanks in part to grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Many artifacts are already available to view.

To inquire further about ICHEG holdings or to ask a brief reference question, use the convenient online form.