The Rising Prices and Unequal Value of Gaming Memorabilia

March 5, 2025 - 08:47

Gaming has emerged as the largest entertainment genre, generating approximately seven times the annual revenue of both music and movies combined. Recently, the auction prices for video games have reached unprecedented heights, particularly for sealed titles. However, this surge in value highlights a significant disparity within the gaming memorabilia market. While sealed video games are fetching impressive sums, many historically significant arcade machines and vintage consoles remain overlooked and undervalued.

The gaming industry is still relatively young, making the appreciation of its artifacts complex. As collectors flock to acquire pristine, unopened games, they often neglect the rich history represented by older gaming machines that once captivated audiences in arcades. This trend raises questions about what is deemed valuable in the gaming world and suggests that many important pieces of gaming history could be lost to time if they continue to be disregarded. The challenge lies in recognizing and preserving the diverse aspects of gaming culture beyond just the sealed products.