For most diehards, gaming is a lifestyle. They sleep, eat, and breathe video games. It’s no wonder that there is a vast range of books about the topic.
The best books about video games that we’ve reviewed in this article are of different categories including graphic novels, fiction books, art collections, nonfiction, etc. Even the fans who think they’ve exhausted all the options out there can find a favorite book here that they can enjoy.
You don’t have to be an avid player to enjoy most of these game books. They have stunning images and exciting stories that might change you into a gamer.
Masters of Doom by David Kushner
You will not be wrong if you call John Romero and John Carmack the Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs of video games. While they have a similar passion, the two have different styles and personalities. Their differences might be a reason they formed a successful duo. However, it also created rifts that ended their partnership. The classic biography of the two will be an awesome read. It follows their path starting from their problematic youth, to common jobs to creating ID software and making some of the most popular games which changed gaming forever.
At Id, the two became rock stars in the video game industry. The book covers their influence on pop culture, the pros, and the cons, and will leave you with an excellent perspective on PC entertainment and the FPS genre.
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by Jason Schreier
While most of the copies in this list are about past life and day, this book discusses more modern-day games. It puts emphasis on the massive budget it takes to create each game you love, whether AAA or indie, and how unsustainable this might be to the whole video game industry. You will find stories of games ranging from Dragon Age: Inquisition to Destiny to Diablo 3. All are worth it.
The History of the Future by Blake J. Harris
Written by the novelist of Console Wars, this book explores the unique Oculus Rift creation and the competition to dictate the future. It reviews everything from the initial inception of Palmer Luckey’s idea to Facebook acquiring Oculus.
The copy also discusses the headaches and turmoil that people underwent while creating the future. Apart from the fascinating tale of one of the largest innovations in recent days, you will learn a lot about the secretive motivations and egos which motivate some of the leading changes in the world.
Jacked: The Outlaw Story of Grand Theft Auto by Kushner
The writer made it to the list twice. Here, is exploring the origins of GTA. It’s one of the most exciting series and one of the bestsellers in the world. Rockstar is a company you can’t understand easily and the book deals with matters GTA from when it began to hot topics such as Hot Coffee.
The Nostalgia Nerd’s Retro Tech by Peter Leigh
People who enjoy playing video games have probably subscribed to The Nostalgia Nerd on YouTube. It’s one of the most famous nerdy channels. It finds, studies, and plays with tech and games of the past decades. In this novel, the writer compiles the best nostalgia technology. It assumes a specific focus on the first game consoles and PCs.
You will find screenshots of outstanding topics and photos of highly retro home gadgets and computers. It’s a lovely and colorful copy that is pleasing to the eyes. It teaches you about the cool innovations of the 70s to the 90s.
Significant Zero: Heroes, Villains, and the Fight for Art and Soul in Video Games by Walt Williams
Walt Williams wrote the famous “anti-shooter” special ops: The Line and is the mind behind several names such as Star Wars Battlefront, Borderlands, and Mafia. The memoir talks about his experience in the industry and it’s a revealing and compulsive read.
The Game Console by Evan Amos
Evan Amos is a talented photographer. He is also known for offering rights-free photos of computers and consoles to Wikipedia. The title collects these beautiful pictures into a digital game’s history and will be a perfect piece.
Ultimate History of Video Games – Steve Kent
Although many books are telling the history of video games, this one might be the best video game book. Although it has been around for a while, it comes with superb anecdotes and information and it’s exceptionally comprehensive.
It is a certified gem with a good read.
Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter by Tom Bissell
Detailed reviews of the game phenomenon aren’t easily available. Although the industry has surpassed big industries like Hollywood when it comes to revenue. However, it’s still relatively new. In a mix of interviews, personal essays, and criticism, Bissell, a prominent game writer, tries to tell us why people are attracted to computer games.
A Theory of Fun for Game Design by Raph Koster
Koster wrote this game design guide as a great approachable guide. It presents some questions about what the games make gamers feel and the problems makers must go through when making them. He does this with a witty writing style and many illustrations.
Conclusion
Most people across the world might have started to question the massive hours they spend playing on their gadgets, especially during the lockdown. Studies show that there is a massive rise in the number of individuals who play releases like FIFA 21, Call of Duty Warzone, and more. Publishers have seen a rise in copies bought by fans.
However, what if you can spend some of that time reading these titles and educating yourself? You can find out why they demand your attention or the process. They will make you feel better about spending cash on them and staying on the couch without worries.
About the Author
Janice Faceton is a tech specialist who also works as a writer for PapersOwl. He has long advocated for the importance of video games in mental and intelligence development. His research into gaming has been published into various academic journals which cause a wave of discussions among peers.