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We are building an archive to embrace the history of games

For us, games are more than just games. Its culture! It is something created by great people with creative ideas. By building a large archive of physical games, we want to preserve and tribute the games culture for a long period of time.

Hello

My name is David Boström and I´m the CEO of the Embracer Games Archive. I have been given the honourable task to lead the work of building up this unique Games Archive. Imagine a place where all physical video games, consoles and accessories are gathered at the same place. And think about how much that could mean for games' culture and enabling video games research. This journey has just been started and we are at an early stage. But already now, we have a large collection to take care of at the Embracer Games Archive’s premises in Karlstad, Sweden. A team of experts has been recruited and will start building the foundation for the archive. At Embracer Games Archive, we believe that games carry a heritage worth celebrating and safeguarding for the future. Our goal is clear – We want to archive and save as much of the video games industry as possible.

Archive status

  • Currently have 50,000 games, consoles, and accessories in Karlstad, Sweden.
  • A team recruited with CEO, archivist, archive assistant, technical engineer & supply manager.
  • Next phase: Build a database and start cataloging in 2022.
  • In the future: Network and collaborate with initiatives, museums, and institutions, provide help to researchers and journalists with inquiries.
  • Long-term ambition: Exhibit parts of the archive locally and through satellite exhibitions at other locations.

Contribute to the archive

Embracer Games Archive's focus is buying large complete unique collections (both hardware and software) of formats we are missing. If you have a collection that you want to sell, please contact our retro gaming advisor Thomas Sunhede at thomas.sunhede@embracer.com and include photos, lists of the objects, as well as your valuation.

We currently don’t have an official wanted-list, but in the future, we will post individual games we’re on the look for or specific platforms for which we are looking to complete.

Stories from the archive

Hunting for hidden treasures in the Games Archive Embracer Group, Sweden
From the Davecave to the world’s biggest game cave Embracer Group, Sweden
Probotector and the Konami Silver Boxes Embracer Group, Sweden
Why horse games is a thing Embracer Group, Sweden
Adventure Vision and the other turtles Embracer Group, Sweden
Early access to the Embracer Group games archive Embracer Group, Sweden

Want to play a part?

We have made our first recruitments to the Embracer Games Archive, but in the future, we will need reinforcement of people who are passionate about video games and documenting the history of games. If you want to be one of them, feel free to send CEO David Boström an application at david.bostrom@embracer.com

Faq

What is the purpose of the archive?

Our mission is to have a copy of each physical game ever released. We know it is a huge task as games are still released physically with hopefully no end in sight. It is a lofty goal that we think is important and a worthy pursuit for the preservation of our shared games history.

Is it just games from Europe or the whole world?

Our focus to begin with is Nordic editions with English text or other European editions with English text, but our long-term goal is to also cover North American and Japanese editions.

Is it video games for all formats/consoles/computer?

Basically yes, but some are of course more prioritized than others.

Will you be able to do research in the archive?

We are happy to collaborate with initiatives to preserve and document games. In the future, we will be able to be helpful. But at present the archive is not easily accessible or cataloged. We will announce when the archive gradually becomes more accessible.

Who owns the games in the archive?

Embracer Group

How many games do you have in the archive?

The archive contains over 50,000 different games, consoles and accessories.

Where is the archive based?

Karlstad, Sweden.

Can I visit the archive?

In its current form no. But it is our long-term ambition to make parts of the collection publicly available.

I have a collection of video games that I want to sell/donate, who should I contact?

Please contact our retro gaming advisor at thomas.sunhede@embracer.com. Preferably with photos and lists of the objects, as well as your own valuation.

Are there any pictures or movies from the archive?

The archive is still under construction. In the long run, we want to make it available in different ways in the future.

Is this an eternity project?

We see games as something important to preserve and as long as new physical games are released, the archive will grow.

Embracer Group is a parent company of businesses led by entrepreneurs in PC, console, mobile and board games and other related media. The Group has an extensive catalogue of over 850 owned or controlled franchises.

With its head office based in Karlstad, Sweden, Embracer Group has a global presence through its ten operative groups: THQ Nordic, Plaion, Coffee Stain, Amplifier Game Invest, Saber Interactive, DECA Games, Gearbox Entertainment, Easybrain, Asmodee, and Dark Horse. The Group has 120 internal game development studios and is engaging more than 12,750 employees and contracted employees in more than 40 countries.

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