Product Description

Examines the world of videogames from a global perspective. Highly illustrated throughout, the book is structured around ten essays focusing on key themes, from characters in games to future technical developments. Writers include J C Herz, Steven Poole and Henry Jenkins. Short essays by players also appear.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #482398 in Books
• Published on: 2002-06-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Customer Reviews

Doom to Dizzy
This is a book intended for those more interested in the visual aspect of video game history than the technological development. Though it touches on the progression of technology through the years it is more about peoples experiences with computer games. It's brilliantly illustrated throughout and is a must for anyone seeking artistic inspiration or a nostalgic trip back to the ZX Spectrum. What is good about this book is that it doesn't focus on the American market. If anything, it leans more towards Japanese and European culture. It's a fascinating read and a brilliant reference tool.

A treasure trove of gaming greats
Every page in this book, which has launched alongside the Barbican based exhibition, is packed with memorable screenshots, classic characters, conceptial artwork, and excellently written information from some of the industries most repected names.

The memories came flooding back as I turned the page - for every single page. Old games from years ago, right up to modern day with Max Payne and GTA3, it's all there, plus more - how videogaming has changed over the years, the influences and major events, and even the downers such as the almost total collapsing of the industry back in '76 '83 and '96...

A must have book for anyone who's a fan of computer games, either current day, or even if gaming is just a long distant happy memory.

Good content - Lousy typography
Although the book is a good one (the content covers a wide area of history and culture of video gaming), I would like to point out that it is rather hard to read.

Why? Simply because there are too much "cool" graphics under the texts, which makes the contrast really bad for reading. I like pictures, but it shouldn't disturb my reading :/

Celia Pearce's article of narrative in games is excellent, not to mention Eric Zimmerman, who grubbles if independent games exist... those two made the book worth my 3starz!