Issues and Prospects of Collection, Archival and Exhibition of Video Games as a "Cultural Resource"

Abstract

This paper discusses the treatment of videogames as a "cultural resource," focusing on the collection, archiving, exhibition, and professionalism of videogame materials in the context of a museum. First, in response to previous studies that call for curators with specialized knowledge of videogames, this paper discusses the importance of curating videogames, although the current curatorial system in Japan makes it difficult to train curators with high expertise. Next, we will discuss methods of collecting, storing, and exhibiting videogames in museums outside of Japan, as well as the issues they face, based on previous studies. Finally, the need for cooperation and organization to reduce the loss of videogames as a "cultural resource" will be discussed based on the case of the Kyoto International Manga Museum, and the various current situations related to videogames will be identified. The question of how video games, a "cultural resource," can be collected, archived, and displayed in museums in the future is not only a subject for curators, but also for those of us involved in video game research.