Step into a space where the evolution of play is preserved in tangible form: from the early days of Pong and Donkey Kong to modern virtual reality rigs. At The MADE, you are not just looking at history behind glass; you are engaging with it through fully playable gaming exhibits that span decades of innovation.
Experience Playable Preservation
The museum is dedicated to the preservation of digital art and gaming, ensuring that the heritage of the medium remains accessible for future creators. You can explore a diverse collection that includes arcade games, consoles, PC titles, and imports. The collection is deeply rooted in the history of the industry, featuring items such as a collection of EPROMs representing early stages of game development and the extensive GamePro collection.
Beyond static displays, the museum serves as a hub for active community engagement. You can witness the fruits of digital preservation efforts, such as NeoHabitat—an open-source project to revive the 1986 graphical MMO, Habitat. The facility also hosts dynamic events including game jams, speaker series, and Super Smash Bros tournaments.
Develop Your Skills in the Classroom
If you are looking to move from player to creator, the MADE offers a dedicated classroom environment. Every Saturday morning, they host free programming workshops that utilize their collection alongside Scratch to explore the nuances of game design and development. These sessions are open to anyone aged nine and older who wants to learn video game programming or computer art; no prior experience is required for new students.
Navigate the Museum Experience
To make the most of your visit, plan your trip around the museum's specific offerings. If you are interested in the educational workshops, aim for a Saturday morning. For a general tour of the exhibits, the museum is open daily with varying hours: Friday from noon to midnight, Saturday from 10 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday from noon to 6 PM.
A highlight not to miss is the opportunity to interact with the wide range of hardware and software that define the history of digital entertainment. Whether you are drawn to the technical side of preservation or the sheer joy of playing classic titles on big screens, there is a substantial amount of content to explore in its downtown Oakland location.
Explore the Surrounding Neighborhoods
Located near the heart of the city, The MADE provides a starting point for exploring other local landmarks. From here, you can venture into the Old Oakland Historic District to see architecture from various eras or visit the African American Museum and Library at Oakland nearby.