The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to the destruction of the Mariupol Computer Museum, which included many vintage game consoles and computers. Though this may seem a small loss in light of the human casualties already sustained by the people of Ukraine, the destruction of historical artifacts is still a terrible loss.

Unfortunately, this is not the only instance in which the invasion of Ukraine has negatively impacted the gaming community. Ukrainian developer GSC Game World had to pause development on the upcoming S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.: Heart of Chernobyl because of the studio's proximity to the fighting. With its headquarters in Kyiv, GSC Game World decided to halt development to ensure that members of the development team and their families would be safe from the fighting. The announcement was accompanied by a video showing the nearby fighting, indicating just how close to danger these workers might be. But while S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. will resume its development in the future, some losses from the conflict will not be as easy to recover from.

According to the Software & Computer Museum's Twitter account, the Mariupol Computer Museum, a privately-owned collection of computers, consoles, and other related technology that was developed between the 1950s and 2000s, has been destroyed by a bomb (via Kotaku). Most of the collection was Soviet-era machines, but it did include some western consoles like the Commodore C64. According to Kotaku, the museum was also the home of the collector, Dmitry Cherepanov, but luckily Cherepanov himself is safe. Unfortunately, he has now lost his home and a collection that he spent 20 years making. Kotaku reports that Cherepanov has set up a Paypal for donations.

Given how gaming companies have rallied to support the Ukrainian people and developers in the country, it wouldn't be surprising if Cherepanov got support to help rebuild his home. Unfortunately, given how old and rare some of those consoles are, the collection is likely irreplaceable. This loss is another reminder of the indelible impact on the lives of the people of Ukraine as this conflict rages. Lives, homes, and property are being destroyed that may never be recovered.

Unfortunately, the gaming world has lost a piece of its history in this conflict. Cherepanov has survived, but he and many other Ukrainians are still fearing for their lives as the Russian invasion continues. Game companies have been doing their part and have raised millions to provide aid in Ukraine. But the cost to the people and the world of this invasion is often not one that money can repair.

Source: Software & Computer Museum/TwitterKotaku