The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) has launched a extensive digital collection documenting the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Covering the event's history from its debut in 1995 through its later years, the archive is now available for free to researchers and the public.
Quick Facts
- Collection includes documentation and ephemera dating back to the first E3 in 1995.
- Archive contains nearly 12 hours of footage from early events, including development builds.
- Featured items include industry reports, marketing programs, press kits, and event photography.
- The collection features specific historical artifacts, such as documentation showing 1999 badge lanyard sponsorship costs.
Inside the Archive
The VGHF announced the collection following a year of donations from individuals who previously ran or attended the event. The goal of the release is to preserve the history of the expo, which the foundation notes is increasingly important as the event becomes a more distant memory for the industry.
Beyond standard administrative documents, the archive provides a look at the business side of the trade show. For example, the collection includes records revealing that companies could pay $25,000 for logo placement on attendee badge lanyards during the 1999 event.
Early Event Footage and Media
For those interested in the presentation style of early industry showcases, the archive includes nearly 12 hours of video footage. This includes:
- Development builds and early software demonstrations.
- Nintendo’s 1997 press conference, which offers a contrast to modern digital showcase formats.
- An exhibitor prospectus video produced in the early 2000s.
The VGHF has also compiled significant photographic galleries from various years of the show. The full collection is currently hosted on the foundation's digital archive platform, allowing anyone to study the event's evolution without cost.