A Glimpse into Early Gaming History: "Computer Entertainer" Magazine Digitized

Unearthing the Past: A Digital Revival of Gaming's Early Chronicles!

\"Computer Entertainer\": A Digital Treasure Trove Unveiled

The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) has successfully digitized and released every issue of \"Computer Entertainer,\" one of the first American periodicals dedicated to video games. Spanning from 1982 to 1990, this publication remarkably persisted through the severe downturn of the video game industry, now made fully accessible to the public under a Creative Commons 4.0 attribution license.

Navigating the Gaming Landscape During the Crash

Unlike most console gaming magazines in the U.S. that ceased operations during the industry collapse of 1983-84, \"Computer Entertainer\" endured. Consequently, it stands as a pivotal historical document, offering some of the only American reviews for classic games such as \"The Legend of Zelda,\" \"Final Fantasy,\" and \"Super Mario Bros.,\" providing unique perspectives on these foundational titles.

Retailer's Lens: Unparalleled Release Date Insights

Originally conceived as a newsletter by Video Take-Out, a Los Angeles-based mail-order video game retailer, \"Computer Entertainer\" provides an invaluable resource for historians. Its direct connection to a game retailer makes it one of the most authoritative sources for American game release dates during that crucial period, shedding light on market dynamics and consumer availability.

The Visionary Sisters Behind the Publication

The magazine was co-edited by sisters Marylou Badeaux and Celeste Dolan. The VGHF not only acquired the physical copies of the magazine from them but also secured the intellectual property rights. This crucial acquisition allowed the foundation to distribute the entire archive under a Creative Commons license, ensuring its wide accessibility and encouraging future research and appreciation.

Industry Evolution Through a Unique Lens

\"Computer Entertainer\" offers fascinating insights into the video game industry during one of its most challenging economic phases. A notable trend observed within its pages is the shift in focus from console games to computer games as the 1980s gaming crash intensified, reflecting the adaptability and evolving landscape of the entertainment sector during that era.

Accessing the Historic Archive

For those interested in delving deeper, the Video Game History Foundation has produced a video detailing the entire project, which is available on YouTube. The complete digitized collection of \"Computer Entertainer\" magazine can be freely accessed and explored on the official website of the Video Game History Foundation at gamehistory.org/computerentertainer, inviting enthusiasts and scholars alike to explore this significant historical resource.