The National Museum of Scotland has just unveiled a super cool video games exhibition, the world’s largest dedicated to the culture and history of video games.
“Game On” is set to impress with over 100 playable games spanning five decades, featuring legendary characters from Space Invaders to Mario, and showcasing Scotland’s groundbreaking role as a trailblazer in video game development.
The exhibition highlights Scotland as the birthplace of some of the most innovative and influential game creators, including the masterminds at Rockstar Games, the developers behind the iconic Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption series. For the first time ever, you can feast your eyes on exclusive items from Rockstar’s archive, including limited edition merchandise and the coveted ‘Key to Liberty City,’ awarded to elite players who completed 100% of Grand Theft Auto IV within its first week of release in 2008. Only 500 of these ultra-rare keys were ever made.
“Scotland has played an instrumental part in the evolution of video games as a medium,” said Jennifer Kolbe, Head of Publishing at Rockstar Games. “We’re excited to help the National Museum of Scotland reveal more about the nation’s contributions to this thriving aspect of modern culture.”
A games exhibition that celebrates Scottish gaming achievements
Dive into the history of Scottish gaming, from its humble beginnings in Dundee during the 1980s with the ZX Spectrum computer, to the rising stars like Sad Owl Studios, whose game “Viewfinder” clinched the Best British Game award at the 2024 Bafta Game Awards. Discover the incredible impact of Scottish studio 4J Studios in transforming Minecraft into a global sensation.
Curated and toured by Barbican Immersive, “Game On” delves into the creative and technological marvels that have elevated gaming to an art form. The National Museum of Scotland was the inaugural venue for this touring exhibition back in 2002, and since then, “Game On” has mesmerized over 5 million visitors in 25 cities around the globe.
The exhibition is bursting with thematic sections, exploring everything from handheld devices to home consoles and arcade machines, while also celebrating the dynamic interplay between music, film, and gaming.
Patrick Moran, Game On Associate Curator, said:
“The gaming world has had an undeniable social, cultural, and technological impact. Games transcend the boundaries between art and technology, becoming part of popular culture. Game On presents the opportunity to not only see the evolution of video games and how they have changed over time but also to immerse yourself inside gaming worlds with over 100 playable games.
The show features the largest playable collection in the world, including original arcades, hand-held consoles, and key games, including Pac-Man, Super Mario, Tetris, Sonic the Hedgehog, Just Dance and FIFA. The exhibition also explores new advances in the gaming world. Highly interactive, groundbreaking and popular, Game On is engaging for hardcore gamers and visitors new to gaming. Crucially, the show is suitable for players of all ages.”
Enhancing the excitement, a vibrant program of public events will accompany the exhibition. Look forward to a Museum Late, sensory-friendly viewings, and family-focused activities designed to inspire the next generation of video game creators.
Tickets for Game On are available to book at nms.ac.uk/GameOn
National Museums Scotland Members free / Book in *advance to save, general admission: Adult £12-£15, Over 65s £11-£14, Student, Young Scot, Disabled, Unemployed** £9-£12, Child 5-15† £8-£11, Under 5s free.
