Michael Thommason currently holds the Guinness world record for the largest video game collection on the planet. That could all change this month, since his entire collection is now up for grabs.
In a move that would make even the most hard-hearted of gamers shed a tear, Michael Thommason is holding an auction for his collection of more than 11,000 games, covering nearly every release from the 2600 onward. Bidding on the collection ends on the 15th of June, but as of the time of writing this article bidding has already exceeded the $90,000 mark. Thommason’s reserve value for the auction has yet to be met, giving interested gamers plenty of time to ruin their credit scores and get in on the action.
Thommason has been an active collector and games enthusiast for more than thirty years, including time spent in game stores and online sales with Good Deal Games. He also assures interested parties that he does not intend to abandon the hobby of gaming, but that family needs come first, and those can be best met by parting with his impressive collection.
“… and, as many of you know I have been involved in the gaming industry for 25+ years. Although I am selling this collection, please do not misunderstand and come to the conclusion that I am leaving the hobby. That is definitely not the case. I love games and they are pivotal part of my identity. I will continue to champion them. I will continue to write for periodicals and publish books, teach my college gaming classes, occasionally partake in competitive gaming, operate GDG’s Homebrew Heaven, publish new games and gaming products, write business plans, make appearances on television, film and radio, manage retail gaming stores, help with trade shows, work as a consultant for third parties, et cetera.
I simply have an immediate family and extended family that have needs that need to be addressed. While I do not wish to part with these games, I have responsibilities that I have made to others and this action is how I will help meet them. No worries, I’ve sold my collection many times in the past and still managed to capture Guinness’ attention, and it is entirely possible that I may again.”
Highlights from the auction include complete game sets for several consoles including the Sega Dreamcast and Turbografx-16 CD. Along with the attraction of the mass quantities of games for the major consoles comes many less illustrious additions, such as the N*Gage and even the much maligned Gizmondo.