Introducing Bellmans’ Retro Video Games & Collectables Department
At Bellmans Fine Art Auctions, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our dedicated Retro Video Games & Collectables Department, a exciting initiative bringing our decades of fine art auction expertise to the rapidly growing market for gaming treasures.
A Natural Evolution in Collecting
The world of collecting has evolved dramatically over recent decades. What began with traditional categories like paintings, furniture, and silver has expanded to embrace cultural artefacts that define our modern heritage.
Video games, with their artistic innovation, cultural significance, and technological advancement, represent one of the most vibrant collecting fields today.
“We’ve observed a notable shift in the collecting landscape,” notes Adam Garner, Head of our new department. “The collectors acquiring fine art remain, but there is increasingly an equal market of individuals building significant video game collections. Both markets value provenance, condition, rarity, and cultural importance.”
Why Retro Gaming Collectables Matter
Video games aren’t merely entertainment; they’re cultural touchstones that have shaped generations. The rarest examples represent pivotal moments in technological and artistic evolution, with historical significance comparable to first-edition books or pioneering photographs.
The market has matured dramatically, with factory-sealed games from the 1980s and 1990s achieving six-figure sums at international auctions. Games that once retailed for £40 now, if in pristine condition, command tens of thousands of pounds, even outperforming many traditional investment categories.
What Sets Bellmans Apart
While the retro gaming auction market has flourished internationally, the UK has been slow to catch up, until now. Bellmans brings several crucial advantages:
Authentication Expertise: Our team combines traditional connoisseurship with modern, technical analysis to guarantee authenticity
Condition Assessment: Precise, transparent condition reporting
International Reach: Our established global collector base ensures items reach the right buyers worldwide
Heritage Understanding: As custodians of cultural artefacts, we understand the importance of preservation and provenance
Our Services for Collectors
Our new department offers comprehensive services for both consignors and buyers:
Valuation Consultations: Free, confidential assessments of single items or entire collections
Authentication Services: Expert verification of genuineness for peace of mind
Consignment Opportunities: Bringing your treasures to our dedicated auctions
Collection Development: Advisory services for serious collectors and investors
Meet Our Specialist
Our team combines decades of gaming knowledge with auction expertise:
Adam Garner, Head of Department, brings 20+ years of experience at Bellmans and whose expertise includes traditional departments such as Works of Art alongside what he has turned from a personal hobby into our newest department, Retro Video Games and Collectables.
Inaugural Auction Announcement
We’re excited to announce our inaugural Retro Video Games & Collectables Auction, scheduled for November 2025. Consignments are now open for this landmark sale, we’re looking for:
Factory-sealed games across all major platforms
Rare console variants and development hardware
Prototype and unreleased games
Unboxed collections
Trading cards and related collectables
POS shop displays and retail demonstration equipment
Gaming memorabilia and promotional materials
Historical documents and development artefacts
Consign With Confidence
Whether you’re considering consigning a single rare item or an entire curated collection, our team provides white-glove service throughout the process:
Initial Consultation: Free, no-obligation assessment of your items
Valuation: Transparent market-based estimates reflecting current conditions
Consignment Agreement: Clear terms with competitive commission structures
Cataloguing: Expert description and photography showcasing your items’ best attributes
Global Marketing: Targeted promotion to our international collector base
Auction Representation: Professional presentation of your consignments
Settlement: Prompt payment following successful sales
Join the Conversation
We invite collectors, enthusiasts, and the curious to join us on this exciting journey:
Free Valuation Days: Monthly events at our London and Sussex locations
Newsletter: Subscribe for department news and auction announcements
Social Media: Follow our dedicated channels for daily insights and highlights
Contact Us
To discuss potential consignments or learn more about our services:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01403 700858
Visit: Bellmans, New Pound, Wisborough Green, West Sussex, RH14 0AZ
The world of retro video game collecting has found its auction home. We look forward to preserving gaming history together.
