Page 33 - Old School Gamer Magazine Issue #41 FREE Edition

the database. This ensures that users can always reference their collections.
IMPACT ON THE COLLECTING COMMUNITY
The advent of game collector apps has profoundly impacted the
video game collecting community. These tools have helped to equalize collecting, making it more accessible and manageable for enthusiasts of all levels. Here are some notable impacts:
• Organization and Efficiency: Game collector apps have streamlined
the process of cataloging and managing collections, saving collectors countless hours of manual labor. This efficiency allows collectors to focus more on acquiring and enjoying games and less on wondering if you’re about to buy your third copy of No One Can Stop Mr. Domino.
• Informed Decisions: The detailed information and market value tracking provided by these apps empower collectors to make informed decisions when buying, selling, or trading games. This has led to more strategic and financially sound collecting practices.
• Community Building: Features that facilitate sharing and social interaction have strengthened
the sense of community among collectors. Enthusiasts can connect, share tips, and celebrate their collections together, fostering a vibrant and supportive environment.
• Preservation of History: By providing historical data and detailed information about games, these apps contribute to the preservation of video game history. Collectors become stewards of gaming heritage, ensuring that knowledge about classic titles is not lost to time.
While game collector apps like Collectorz.com, Gameye, and Retro Game Collector have revolutionized the way enthusiasts manage and engage with their collections, seasoned collectors also see some of the shortcomings of these apps as they are only as good as the databases they are built upon. Meaning that if the app has a lazy blurry picture found by doing a
two second Google search with the wrong region or ESRB logo on it, some people might not notice or care, but a lot of people’s OCD will kick in and require some manual intervention to seek out the correct picture or piece of information to manually fill it in. Considering that, realize that these apps will only
get you 95% of the way there and that you may have to rely on others in the community or your own
knowledge or research to get you the last 5%.
Despite these shortcomings, these apps are leaps and bounds above what they used to be 20 years ago. They offer a blend of functionality, convenience, and community that enhances the collecting experience that simply wasn’t available or feasible before the advent of the modern smartphone. As the world of video game collecting continues to grow and evolve, these apps
will undoubtedly remain essential companions for collectors, helping them navigate the ever-expanding universe of video games. Whether you are a novice collector or a seasoned historian, embracing these technological advancements can elevate your passion for video games to new heights.
If you’d like to learn more about
me and my projects, or pick up your own copy of the Video Game Collector’s Field Guide, or the Video Game Console Collector’s Field Guide, visit www.vgcollectorguide. com - TI
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