After accumulating more than 11,000 games and being verified by The Guinness Book of World Records, video game collector and record holder Michael Thomasson has sold his massive gaming library for over $750,000, according to GameGavel.

Previously holding the record for the largest video game collection in the world, Thomasson held an auction on GameGavel starting on June 11th at a $1 starting bid, and the auction ending on June 15th with a final tally of $720,250, with 56 different bidders. The winner of the auction is to take ownership of Thomasson's complete collection of video games, in addition to a lifetime subscription to Retro Magazine.

Over on the collection page for the sale, Thomasson writes about what is included in his library, along with the motivations for selling such a massive collection:

"I operated seven independent gaming stores during the nineties and have worked for another chain for the last decade. I also operated Good Deal Games online since 1998, having thousands of games cross my path. Whenever I purchased a game that did not directly come from the distributor I was able to look through all our inventory and pick out the nicest copy of a game, including grabbing the nicest box and manual."

"Approximately a quarter of the collection is new factory sealed! There are a whopping 2600+ factory shrink-wrapped titles in the collection! Over 8,300 are complete with box and manual."

"… 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."