Episode 157: Our Library Practices

From Video Game History Hour by Video Game History Foundation

June 10, 2026 · 1h 27m · Season 2 · Episode 157

About this episode

Phil Salvador and Robin Kunimune discuss the challenges of preserving a large digital collection of game files.

Library director Phil Salvador and producer Robin Kunimune take you through the process of preserving a collection of over 10,000 digital files from our GamePro CD collection. Phil discusses how he tackles physical and philosophical dilemmas such as balancing users’ needs to access original files of hi-res game art while also viewing quick, easy thumbnails researchers can actually open; dealing with broken or obsolete 90’s files types like old PSD/EPS files; automating bulk processing for as much data as we’re able; and balancing thorough, but concise, metadata for topics ranging from undersea wreckage salvage to hyper-specific local gaming slang. Phil and Robin also provide a sneak peak into the VGHF’s upcoming monster of a project, the Game Informer collection, and how this meager 10k file collection is really just a warm-up. Mentioned in the Show: GamePro Press CD Collection You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify , or on our website . Video Game History Foundation: Email: podcast@gamehistory.org Website: gamehistory.org Support us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg

People in this episode

Guests: Phil Salvador, Robin Kunimune

Topics covered

digital preservation
library practices
game art
metadata
file types
GamePro CD collection
Game Informer collection

Keywords

digital files
preservation
metadata
GamePro
Game Informer
library
game art

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Video Game History Foundation, GamePro, Game Informer