8Bit/Digi

The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (The MADE) has been forced to shutter its home in Oakland due to the financial strains brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like so many museums in the Bay Area, The MADE was forced to close its doors due to the pandemic. Despite the lifting of restrictions, the museum could not open. After several months and a breakdown in negotiations with their landlord, the museum has to now move out.

It’s currently working to place its collection in storage while looking for a new location. The MADE has over 40,000 games, consoles and memorabilia in its collection. All of it will go into storage until a new location can be found.

The heart breaking announcement was made in the following post:

There is also the great fear that The MADE may not be able to find a new location due to high cost of rent in the Bay Area. Even before the pandemic, the relocation of a popular venue often meant its end due to the high rent. Some, like AFKxp were able to avoid this fate.

The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment is one of the few museums dedicated to the history of gaming. Its closure is seen as a major blow to the preservation of gaming history. They have been active at events like GDC, MAGWest and California Extreme.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.