Interview with Warren Spector

Abstract

Carl Therrien: In 2007, the Library of Congress made a significant move to integrate video games in their collection. Through a project set forth by Henry Lowood, ten video games were selected to be part of the “game canon.” New games are now added to the collection more systematically; game publishers have to give a copy of the game to the Library of Congress to complete the copyright process.

If you had to go through this type of process, what selection criteria would you push forward? Is there a place for underdogs and lesser-known games in such a process?

Warren Spector: I’m thrilled that the institution is taking an interest in videogames. In the long run, I think everyone, both in the industry and at the Library itself, will see the importance of this recognition.