Universität Bayreuth
WS/SS 2017/18
Fachgruppe Medienwissenschaft Studiengang Computerspielwissenschaften
The mediality of videogames as physical value assets: a collection and preservation theory applied on Super Smash Bros. and The Legend of Zelda for Nintendo 64 Eduardo Augusto Esqueche Larrabure
Abstract In videogames, a collection, preservation and curation activity are observed within players and institutions, which try to preserve the software and hardware status of many video games and its merchandising in order to provide a historical and socio-cultural approach to game practices and its side activities. In that scope, those games and merchandising that offer a high preservation status, both in packaging, playability, and hardware constitution, possess a higher monetary value towards those frequently used and more prone to malfunction. This document observes how a collection and preservation theory applied in many digital media, such as computers, emulators, and disc read drivers, can be applied in video game cultures and commerce platforms, focusing on the Super Smash Bros. 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time games for the Nintendo 64 system, and which variables define a higher collector and preservation value. Factors such as packaging status, presence of booklets and other inlay papers, hardware functionality and game edition influence on the selling price, which speaks of the great monetary and social value put to those items due to the personal and collective value they possess. Keywords: mediality; collection; preservation; video games, Super Smash Bros; The Legend of Zelda; Nintendo 64