The EFGAMP network is expanding with the addition of another important institution, the International Computer Game Collection (ICS). Initiated in Berlin in 2012, the ICS manages one of the largest physical collections of digital entertainment culture worldwide, with more than 42.000 computer games. It was created by merging the collections of the Berlin Computerpielemuseum, the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK), and the Center for Computer Game Research at the University of Potsdam (DIGAREC). Currently, the ICS, registered as non-profit GmbH in 2023, is funded by the Federal Government and the Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) and the Berlin Senate Chancellery.
Sandra Winterberg: “Games do not stop at national borders, whether in their development, use, or content—they are an international medium from the outset. This is precisely why both the ICS-International Computer Game Collection and a European initiative such as EFGAMP are essential: only together can we pay a tribute to the diversity and dynamism of digital game culture and secure its heritage for future generations.”
Andreas Lange: “The ICS is a great example of how cooperation across different sectors can help preserve our gaming heritage. It started as a private initiative from the cultural sector and the computer game industry, with a high level of civic engagement, and now receives extensive public funding. So, it’s a great example of what our members stand for as a whole.”
About International Computer Game Collection
The International Computer Game Collection (ICS) preserves digital games as cultural heritage and activates them for research, education, and the future. With over 42,000 original games, Germany is home to the world’s largest public collection of digital games—a cultural promise to the digital society. Funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) and the State of Berlin. Supported by leading institutions such as the Berlin Computerspielemuseum, the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK), the Foundation for Digital Games Culture, the fjs. e.V. for Youth and Social Work, and the game – Association of the German Games Industry. We preserve games as a unique cultural treasure and enrich our society with the world’s largest archive of digital games as an immeasurable source of knowledge, creativity, and innovation.
Contact: CEO, Sandra Winterberg – winterberg@games-archive.org
More information: https://games-archive.org/en
