From Code to Collection | Alysha Connor | NZGDC 2025

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The talk provides valuable insights into the challenges and strategies of video game preservation from a museum professional’s perspective. It effectively argues that games are significant cultural artifacts that deserve preservation, and that collaboration with the gaming community is essential. The argumentation is solid, supported by personal experience, case studies, and quotes from other professionals. However, it lacks rigorous academic citations, and some claims are anecdotal. The talk is persuasive and well-structured, making a compelling case for the role of developers in preservation.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The talk demonstrates a good understanding of the subject, but it does not cite specific sources or references. The case studies are described in detail, but no URLs or publications are provided. The title accurately reflects the content, and the talk is well-organized. The lack of formal citations reduces the scientific rigor, but the speaker’s expertise and the practical examples add credibility. The talk is more of an expert opinion than a research presentation, but it is informative and relevant.

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on the journey of video games from development to museum collections.

7/10

The talk is delivered by a digital conservator with relevant professional and academic background, providing a well-structured overview of video game preservation challenges and strategies. It includes case studies and quotes from other museum professionals, but lacks formal citations or references to specific literature or sources. The information is largely anecdotal and based on personal experience, though it aligns with broader knowledge in the field.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 02:00Introduction: Alysha Connor introduces herself and the topic of video game preservation in museums.
• 05:00Criteria for collecting games: design, storytelling, cultural icons, societal references, accessibility, gameplay experience.
• 10:00Challenges in preservation: technological obsolescence, versions, IP, lack of technical knowledge, emulation.
• 15:00Quotes from museum professionals about the importance of collaboration with gamers.
• 20:00Case study 1: Volition's archive donated to the Strong Museum of Play.
• 25:00Case study 2: Play It Again project in New Zealand and Australia.
• 30:00Case study 3: Artist residency programs at ACMI and Powerhouse.
• 35:00Five ways developers can collaborate: donate, document, partner, apply, advocate.

• Powerhouse Museum — Mentioned as the speaker's workplace and a case study for artist residencies.
• Strong Museum of Play — Mentioned as the recipient of Volition's archive and offering fellowships.
• ACMI — Mentioned as a museum with an artist residency program for indie developers.
• Play It Again project — Mentioned as a research project recovering early Australian and New Zealand games.
• V&A Museum — Mentioned in the context of the Flappy Bird acquisition.

• The Strong Museum of Play — Case study of Volition's archive donation, aligning with the talk's emphasis on developer-led preservation.
• Play It Again project — Example of community-driven preservation, supporting the talk's argument for collaboration.