The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) has launched a significant new collection dedicated to the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3, aiming to preserve the history of the once-dominant video game trade show. The archive, amassed over the past year through donations from E3 organizers and attendees, spans from the event's inaugural year in 1995 to its more recent iterations.
The VGHF states this collection may be one of the largest compilations of E3 ephemera ever assembled. It includes materials such as industry reports, marketing programs, and press kits, offering insights into the business and promotional strategies of past E3 events. For instance, the archive details sponsorship opportunities from early years, such as a $25,000 offer in 1999 to have a company's logo featured on attendee badge lanyards.
Beyond business documents, the collection features a wealth of photographic material from various E3 shows. It also includes unique video content, such as an "incredibly 2000s" exhibitor prospectus video and nearly 12 hours of footage from the event's earlier years. This footage showcases development builds and offers a glimpse into the presentations of the time, including Nintendo's 1997 press conference, which contrasts sharply with the company's modern Nintendo Direct format.
The foundation intends for this collection to be freely accessible to anyone studying the history of E3. In an era where younger generations may not have experienced the event firsthand, the VGHF hopes to provide a valuable resource for understanding its cultural and historical significance.