Computer Entertainer Returns in Digital Archive Release

The pioneering American Computer Entertainer magazine, published from 1982 to 1990, has found a new digital life thanks to the efforts of the Video Game History Foundation. Released online under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license, this initiative provides both nostalgic gamers and historians access to a treasure trove of videogame history.

Produced by Video Take-Out in Los Angeles, Computer Entertainer held its ground despite the infamous 1983-84 video game industry crash. Co-edited by Marylou Badeaux and Celeste Dolan, the magazine refined the way video game news and reviews were presented, capturing the essence of an era that saw the birth of iconic games such as The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Super Mario Bros.

Preserving a Legacy

The Video Game History Foundation, caring for the authentic legacy of video gaming, acquired bound print copies of Computer Entertainer along with its intellectual property. This acquisition has facilitated the magazine's public release, allowing for both reading and reuse rights - important strides in historical preservation and dedication to open access.

The era-defining magazine offers readers rare insights with its American-style reviews and precise release-date information that might otherwise be lost to time. By surviving the tumult of the 1980s crash, it stands today as a testament to the resilience and importance of gaming culture.

Computer Entertainer digital release video tutorial

A New Digital Home

In effort to bolster awareness and engagement, the foundation has also published a video showcasing the release, drawing attention not just to the magazine but to the wealth of historical context it provides. The complete run of Computer Entertainer is now available online, enabling exploration of its contents and celebrating its influential role in gaming history.

Reflecting back, Computer Entertainer wasn't just about games; it was an early harbinger of how gaming would intertwine with culture and technology, shaping many aspects of digital entertainment enjoyed today. By releasing these archives, the Video Game History Foundation ensures that new generations can appreciate this foundational era of video game evolution.

Update: 22 Aug 2025