Beeks' Book Club
By Beeks. Friday, 23. February 2007, 02:58:04
Hopefully you all have some spare time to read books! I know, I know--with the Wii and all this blogging, who has time for anything else? Gamasutra has listed a ton of entertaining books in their online store--while most are books geared more towards the aspiring animator or game developer, they do have books of miscellaneous content listed. Everything from the history of video games to gamer fiction can be found in their delightful compilation! I'm going to list three books that caught my eye and subsequently compelled me to purchase them from Amazon--expect book reviews soon! Until then, whet your appetite with these descriptions, and then check out Amazon if you think you'd like to buy them for yourself!
Game On, by Lucien King
Video games have come a long way since the first ever computer game, Spacewar, was developed at MIT in 1962 using technology developed to further man's attempts at space travel. In the last ten years games have developed rapidly to become one of the most profitable entertainment sectors in the world, giving rise to a billion dollar creative industry. The technical capabilities of game design have made a remarkable simulation of reality possible. The influence of video games is so pervasive that game characters, such as Lara Croft of Tomb raider, have become cultural icons. Games have also influenced music and film. The first animated movie based on a game, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, recently set a new standard for computer graphics animation using characters that are almost indistinguishable from human actors.
Game On examines the world of video games from a global perspective. Highly illustrated throughout, the book is structured around key themes, ranging from characters in games to future technical developments. It will appeal to readers of all ages and backgrounds, both those who play and those involved in the production of games.
High Score! The Illustrated History of Electronic Games, by Rusel DeMaria and Johnny Wilson
From pinball to PlayStation, this photo-packed volume chronicles the history of electronic games--which has become both a billion dollar industry as well as a cultural phenomenon. Featuring hundreds of interviews with game creators and thousands of never-before-seen photos from the early days, this book honors the games that have captivated youngsters and the young-at-heart for more than 30 years--making this the ultimate tribute to electronic games.
The Ultimate History of Video Games, by Steven L. Kent
With all the whiz, bang, pop, and shimmer of a glowing arcade. The Ultimate History of Video Games reveals everything you ever wanted to know and more about the unforgettable games that changed the world, the visionaries who made them, and the fanatics who played them. From the arcade to television and from the PC to the handheld device, video games have entraced kids at heart for nearly 30 years. And author and gaming historian Steven L. Kent has been there to record the craze from the very beginning.
This engrossing book tells the incredible tale of how this backroom novelty transformed into a cultural phenomenon. Through meticulous research and personal interviews with hundreds of industry luminaries, you'll read firsthand accounts of how yesterday's games like Space Invaders, Centipede, and Pac-Man helped create an arcade culture that defined a generation, and how today's empires like Sony, Nintendo, and Electronic Arts have galvanized a multibillion-dollar industry and a new generation of games. Inside, you'll discover:
·The video game that saved Nintendo from bankruptcy
·The serendipitous story of Pac-Man's design
·The misstep that helped topple Atari's $2 billion-a-year empire
·The coin shortage caused by Space Invaders
·The fascinating reasons behind the rise, fall, and rebirth of Sega
·And much more!
Entertaining, addictive, and as mesmerizing as the games it chronicles, this book is a must-have for anyone who's ever touched a joystick.
Looks to me like some fun reading! Also, it's always fun to go to Amazon and see what other books the site recommends. In most cases, another video game book gets referenced, giving you an endless array of gaming literature!
Game On, by Lucien King
Video games have come a long way since the first ever computer game, Spacewar, was developed at MIT in 1962 using technology developed to further man's attempts at space travel. In the last ten years games have developed rapidly to become one of the most profitable entertainment sectors in the world, giving rise to a billion dollar creative industry. The technical capabilities of game design have made a remarkable simulation of reality possible. The influence of video games is so pervasive that game characters, such as Lara Croft of Tomb raider, have become cultural icons. Games have also influenced music and film. The first animated movie based on a game, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, recently set a new standard for computer graphics animation using characters that are almost indistinguishable from human actors.Game On examines the world of video games from a global perspective. Highly illustrated throughout, the book is structured around key themes, ranging from characters in games to future technical developments. It will appeal to readers of all ages and backgrounds, both those who play and those involved in the production of games.
High Score! The Illustrated History of Electronic Games, by Rusel DeMaria and Johnny Wilson
From pinball to PlayStation, this photo-packed volume chronicles the history of electronic games--which has become both a billion dollar industry as well as a cultural phenomenon. Featuring hundreds of interviews with game creators and thousands of never-before-seen photos from the early days, this book honors the games that have captivated youngsters and the young-at-heart for more than 30 years--making this the ultimate tribute to electronic games.
The Ultimate History of Video Games, by Steven L. Kent
With all the whiz, bang, pop, and shimmer of a glowing arcade. The Ultimate History of Video Games reveals everything you ever wanted to know and more about the unforgettable games that changed the world, the visionaries who made them, and the fanatics who played them. From the arcade to television and from the PC to the handheld device, video games have entraced kids at heart for nearly 30 years. And author and gaming historian Steven L. Kent has been there to record the craze from the very beginning.
This engrossing book tells the incredible tale of how this backroom novelty transformed into a cultural phenomenon. Through meticulous research and personal interviews with hundreds of industry luminaries, you'll read firsthand accounts of how yesterday's games like Space Invaders, Centipede, and Pac-Man helped create an arcade culture that defined a generation, and how today's empires like Sony, Nintendo, and Electronic Arts have galvanized a multibillion-dollar industry and a new generation of games. Inside, you'll discover:
·The video game that saved Nintendo from bankruptcy
·The serendipitous story of Pac-Man's design
·The misstep that helped topple Atari's $2 billion-a-year empire
·The coin shortage caused by Space Invaders
·The fascinating reasons behind the rise, fall, and rebirth of Sega
·And much more!
Entertaining, addictive, and as mesmerizing as the games it chronicles, this book is a must-have for anyone who's ever touched a joystick.
Looks to me like some fun reading! Also, it's always fun to go to Amazon and see what other books the site recommends. In most cases, another video game book gets referenced, giving you an endless array of gaming literature!
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(11%)
By CaptainSeagull, # 23. February 2007, 03:39:24