Video game books are essential for any level of gamer. These books provide further knowledge on popular video games to players. Apart from gaming guides, there are also books about the history of video games, or even stories on the subject. There are many selections available, but not all of them are up to par. Here are the 10 best books on video game history and stories.
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games Are Made by Jason Schreir
The first novel on the list is about the vigorous work that goes into creating video games. Schrier’s honesty provides readers with the understanding of everything video game programmers face. He explains how either an entire team, or sometimes just one individual alone work on game production. Schreir follows this by describing the process of how more recent video games were constructed. This book is a wonderful selection to those who always wondered how video games are created, or for those who wish to develop their own game.
Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle That Defined a Generation by Blake J. Harris
This second novel is on the rivalry between Sega and Nintendo during the 1990’s. The novel’s protagonist is Tom Kalinske, the CEO of Sega America. Harris writes about the true story of Tom and his competition against Nintendo. “This book was received well, so well in fact that in 2020, a documentary was released based on the novels and the real events. Console Wars is a perfect read for those interested in video game company history,” says John G. Rikard, a gaming blogger at Paper Fellows and Lia Help.
Game Over: How Nintendo Zapped an American Industry, Captured Your Dollars, and Enslaved Your Childrenby David Sheff
Here is a dose of bitter, but somewhat true take on the influence gaming corporations have on society. David Sheff shares exactly how Nintendo became the powerful company it is today, detailing how it is now the most dominant gaming brand. Although the title is harsh, Sheff is fair with his statement because he covers both the pros and cons of Nintendo. If you ever wanted to know the ins and outs of Nintendo’s history, I highly recommend this book.
Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter by Tom Bissell
Written by a prize winning author, Extra Lives doesn’t disappoint. Bissell informs us that video games are important in our society. He makes insightful observations such as how video games have high social relevance, and therefore have drawn in a huge audience. Bissell also covers the impressive progression of video games overtime, and defends criticism made about gaming in general. If you want to inform others that video games aren’t a negative thing, then I suggest learning exactly why by reading Extra Lives.
Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World by Jane McGonigal
Millions of individuals game, and these gamers are often shamed for their interest. Jane McGonigal proves how video games have caused players to develop useful skills in our modern world. “McGonigal covers the psychology of gaming, and how individuals who game gain skills such as: problem solving, creativity, and teamwork. This book is a great read for those who are unaware of the positive impacts gaming can have on an individual,” explains Christina K. Ferguson, a writer at OXEssays and Boomessays.
All Your Base Are Belong to Us: How Fifty Years of Videogames Conquered Pop Culture by Harold Goldberg
Video games are a highlight of pop culture today. This book is about the lasting domination of video games in pop culture. Goldberg covers how video games became an entertainment essential over the past 50 years, and is another great read on video game history.
Retro Gaming: A Byte-sized History of Video Games – From Atari to Zelda by Mike Diver
Are you a fan of retro games? If so, you may be interested in Diver’s book on the history of retro video games. Diver includes the top games of the 70’s like Atari, and also touches on hits such as Zelda and Halo. Retro Gaming is likely to satisfy any retro game fans.
Game Boy World 1989 | XL B&W Edition: A History of Nintendo Game Boy, Vol. I by Jeremy Parish
It’s no secret that the Game Boy console is one of the most notorious. This book on the history of the Game Boy, and what it came to be is truly endearing. Parish tells us about the reign Game Boy had in 1989. If you are a fan of Game Boy, then this is a must read for you!
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
After all the books on video game history, here is a fictional story. Ready Player One is about Wade Watts, a teen in the year 2045 who is infauctated by the Oasis, which happens to be a virtual Utopia. The premise of the novel is Wade’s search for an easter egg hidden in the worldwide virtual reality game. Cline’s work was so well crafted, that his novel was adapted into a movie in 2018. This story was a hit not only in book form, but also on the big screen, so I must certainly recommend Ready Player One.
In Real Life by Cory Doctorow
Last, but not least is In Real Life. This is another fictional novel, and is about Anda, a girl passionate about video games. Anda spends her time on a multiplayer game called Coarsegold Online. She adores the game because she can be any character she wants, and how she has the opportunity to meet many friends on Coarsegold. Anda finds herself in a serious situation when she meets a player who goes against the rules. Doctorow’s book not only provides female representation, but is also an alluring read.
What Makes These Books Good
All of these books on video game history and or fictional stories are all equally as good. These books are among the most popular in the specific genre. Each book was selected in this top ten list because it contained unique information, providing options for many readers who love video games. These books are all informational, enriching, and overall entertaining. Which book caught your interest the most?
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Emily Henry writes for UKWritings Reviews and Write My Research Paper. She writes articles on many subjects including writing great resumes. Emily is also an editor at State Of Writing.
