We are building an archive to embrace the history of games

For us, games are more than just games. It is 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.

The journey has already begun and it is time to take the next step. Our goal is clear – We want to archive and save as much of the video games industry as possible. Hopefully you will join us on our journey.

Welcome to the games archive.

WANT TO PLAY A PART?

We are looking for more friends who wants to play an important part in our aim to build the games archive. Please mail work@embracer.com if you think you have what we want.

Faq

How big is the collection?

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

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 you interested of buying all kinds of game collections?

We focus buying large complete unique and rare collections (both hardware and software) of formats we are missing. Since we currently do not have a official wanted-list you need to reach out and we will reply as soon as possible.

Who owns the collection?

Embracer Group AB and its shareholders.

Is it just games from Europe or the whole world?

Our ambition is to create a global collection of both European, American and Japanese editions.

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 – both for visits but also through digital channels

Are there any pictures or movies of the collection?

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

Do you sell any items from your collections?

No.

How long have Embracer collected games?

Embracer's CEO Lars Wingefors has from an early age had an interest in collecting. He started building a larger game collection a decade ago and early 2021 he decided to donate parts of this to create the archive for Embracer Group.

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.

What are the oldest games in the collection?

Probably the games that came with the 1972 Magnavox Odyssey console.

I’ve heard that you also collect old CRT TV sets, is that really true?

Not actively, but to be able to play the games as they were once intended to be used, obviously the right hardware is needed; both the original console and the right monitor. An Atari 2600 game might be best enjoyed on a wooden 26 "CRT TV with a lukewarm root beer in a basement with a slight mildew smell and the SEGA Mega Drive is never wrong on a Sony Trinitron 29" from the 90s.