Between retro gaming and speculating: The history and culture of graded video games

The years 2021 and 2022 saw the title of ‘most expensive video game sold at auction’ change hands repeatedly. The press coverage of these record-breaking sales popularized the market for graded video games (i.e. those sealed in plastic and certified for their authenticity and condition) and, in the process, reshaped retro gaming. However, this boom was short-lived. In addition to plummeting sale prices, a class-action lawsuit alleged that WATA Games and Heritage Auctions had engaged in market manipulation. This article argues that conflicts over the graded games market reflect broader concerns about preserving video game history and retro gaming culture.