Sony, Harmonix save early prototypes

By Robert Purchese Published 26 November, 2008

Donate to National Videogame Archive.

Sony and Harmonix have kick-started the UK's National Videogame Archive by donating cherished early prototypes of their work.

Sony has decided to save the very first EyeToy model for historical reference. Five years after launch, the EyeToy has sold over 10 million units around the world.

Its success was followed by the technically superior PlayStation Eye model for the PS3.

"We felt the first EyeToy camera prototype was the perfect donation choice because it represents not only a ground-breaking game interface, but a moment in gaming history when a whole new audience began to play videogames for the first time," said Mike Haigh from Sony's London EyeToy studio.

Harmonix, on the other hand, has donated prototypes of the drum kit and guitar from Rock Band - the first game to combine the two peripherals in one box.

"Harmonix recognizes how important it is to document and preserve the history of this rapidly evolving industry," said Sean Baptiste, community manager at Harmonix.

The National Videogame archive aims to preserve and document the history of our industry, from the earliest examples right up to the modern day. And not just the games themselves; any kind of marketing paraphernalia such as boxes, artwork, posters, etc.

The NVA is also asking various members of the industry to make a case for the games they want to save.

Head over to the Save The Videogame website to find out more.

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

You may also like...

Comments (10) Latest comment 3 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • jaxon58 #1 3 years ago

    I thought the drum kits for sale with Rock Band WERE the prototypes!

    Badum-tsch!

  • miiiguel #2 3 years ago

    I could donate an Xbox 180 original controler, which is the size of a PS2, for the comedy section.

  • Eraysor #3 3 years ago

    The NVA idea is awesome. I hope they get enough to make a museum one day.

  • moggsy #4 3 years ago

    @ Eraysor

    I think it's going to be part of the National Media Museum in Bradford.

  • Eraysor #5 3 years ago

    Ah right, cheers. Bit far away from me to just pop in, but I'm sure I'll be around there one day :p

  • SpyroViper #6 3 years ago

    Donating a prototype fo the Guitar and Drum kit.. Correct me if I'm wrong (and you will be if you play Rock band), but isn't the Guitar in Rock band modeled after a Les Paul Standard? Because as it so blatantly is, why is that even in there? People will remember the REAL Les Paul for a LONG time.

  • optimusprym8 #7 3 years ago

    I remember seeing the original prototype of the EyeToy at ECTS years ago, still hasn't delivered on the demo they had there.

    Guitar Hero - Gibson SG
    Guitar Hero II - Gibson X-plorer
    Guitar Hero III - Gibson Les Paul
    Rock Band - Fender Stratocaster

    so yes, you are wrong but also right, some people probably will remember the real Les Paul guitar rather than the game controller but as this is a game controller being donated to a national video games archive... your point is?

  • SpyroViper #8 3 years ago

    The point is.. Donating something that had no real originality in the design. It's a cheap plastic knock off, of a real guitar. That deserves to be in a video games archive because... The eyetoy I agree with.

  • optimusprym8 #9 3 years ago

    because it introduced a whole new market / genre of games / players at a mass market level in the West.

    Of course they are going to base the model on a well-known, real world example, it's helps people recognise and relate to it as well as making it desirable - not to you obviously as you're far too superior with your Real Guitar playing skills and *cough* excellent tastes in music.

    But then that's what you are missing entirely, it's about choice and personal taste. I like to play Rock Band, you like Nickleback. It doesn't harm others (others will disagree) so what exactly is your problem? (Apart from the obvious)
    Edited by 1 at 26/11/08 @ 18:01

  • SpyroViper #10 3 years ago

    Well obviously I am slighty biased. But I still fail to see the importance of this? It's basically Singstar with a guitar.. why this is being archived is beyond me. Maybe a casual gamer will understand it better, you obviously do.

    Anyway, I've got better things to do than constantly discuss these silly games.