Books related to the Video Game Industry
UP DOWN UP by Kim Nordstrom
Super Mario: How Nintendo Conquered America by Jeff Ryan
Long Term Game by Joakim Achrén
Hey! Listen! by Steve McNell
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by Jason Schreier
Once Upon Atari by Howard Scott Warshaw
UP DOWN UP: Why some game companies succeed, while others fail.
By Kim Nordstrom (just published!)
Kim's book contains some of the best war stories of free-to-play game company building ever collected.- Kristian Segerstrale, CEO, Super Evil Megacorp
The book includes quotes and stories from a long list of amazing founders and investors from the game industry.
Super Mario: How Nintendo Conquered America
By Jeff Ryan
Super Mario: How Nintendo Conquered America, a book that delves into the history and cultural impact of the iconic video game character, Mario, and the success of Nintendo in the American gaming industry. The book explores the origins of Mario, the evolution of Nintendo's gaming consoles, and the company's strategies that led to its dominance in the market. Ryan's narrative provides insights into the creative process behind the development of Mario games and their significance in popular culture, offering readers a comprehensive look at the journey of Nintendo and the beloved Super Mario franchise.
“The RPG series “Dragon Warrior” is by Japanese law, not allowed to be released on a weekday, since too many people take off school or work to start leveling up.”― Jeff Ryan
Long Term Game: How to Build a Video Games Company
Joakim Achrén, a former co-founder of Next Games and the founder and CEO of Elite Game Developers provides clear and honest guidance on how to found and build a thriving games company, covering aspects such as the idea, the team, the funding, the validation, and the challenges of the games business. The book draws on the author's 15 years of experience in gaming startups and his passion for helping gaming entrepreneurs.
Hey! Listen!
By Steve McNeil
A hilarious history of the golden period of computer games from the creator of Go 8 Bit with Dara O'Briain.
It is fair to say Steve McNeil likes video games. When he took his Nintendo Wii on honeymoon (obviously), he played it so much he damaged an eye and had to wear an eye patch. The locals nicknamed him 'the pale pirate'.
Steve's obsession with video games can be traced back to the golden period from the early 70s to the late 90s. In this book he will delve into these games - from the appallingly bad to the breathtakingly good. He will also take us through the nerdy geniuses who created them, their fierce rivalries and risks often leading to some of the most farcical moments in the history of entertainment.This is a story of obsession, full of tales of Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, Mario, Sonic, Wolfenstein 3D, Worms and many more. It will also answer important questions about the golden age.
Questions Why did Namco feel they had to change the name of Puck-Man to Pac-Man because they were worried about graffiti, when Nintendo were more than happy to bring out Duck Hunt?
“In all seriousness, you can’t underestimate the allure of the arcades. My younger brother once became so engrossed in an arcade game at the Butlin’s holiday park in Bognor Regis that, in preference to walking away from the game, he wet himself. He was twenty-six years old†.”― Steve McNeil
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels
"Blood, Sweat, and Pixels" by Jason Schreier provides an insightful and engaging look into the challenges and triumphs of the video game development industry. Through a series of in-depth narratives, Schreier explores the stories behind the creation of various games, uncovering the intense pressure, creative struggles, and unexpected obstacles faced by developers. The book highlights the human side of game development, offering readers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the passion, dedication, and perseverance required to bring video games to life. Schreier's storytelling skillfully captures the rollercoaster ride of the industry, making "Blood, Sweat, and Pixels" a compelling read for both gamers and those interested in the world of game development.
“Making a game is like constructing a building during an earthquake or trying to run a train as someone else is laying down track as you go...”― Jason Schreier
Once Upon Atari: How I made history by killing an industry
"Once Upon Atari: How I Made History by Killing an Industry" by Howard Scott Warshaw is a captivating memoir that provides a firsthand account of the rise and fall of the video game industry during its early years. Warshaw, a former Atari game developer, recounts his experiences and contributions to the iconic company, including the creation of the controversial game "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." The book delves into the behind-the-scenes challenges, innovations, and corporate dynamics that shaped the industry. Warshaw's narrative sheds light on the unique culture at Atari and offers valuable insights into the creative process and business decisions that ultimately played a role in the industry's crash in the 1980s. With humor and candor, Warshaw reflects on his role in video game history and the unintended consequences of his work on a game that became synonymous with the industry's downturn.
“I’m turning fifty in five months. I mention to the healer how it feels a little late in my life to begin this kind of journey. As healers sometimes do, she tells me an interesting story about her parents… It seems her father was thinking of starting college at the ripe old age of 24. He was working, so he’d have to go at night. After figuring out the timing, he told his wife (her mom), “If I do this, I’ll be 29 years old before I graduate!” His wife replied, “How old will you be if you don’t do it?” He enrolled. Smart parents. Smart healer.”― Howard Scott Warshaw
Photo: Steve Wozniak, Nolan Bushnell and Teodor Bjerrang
“Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea. It’s the person who gets out of the shower, dries off, and does something about it that makes a difference.”― Nolan Bushnell
“If you love what you do and are willing to do what it takes, it's within your reach. And it'll be worth every minute you spend alone at night, thinking and thinking about what it is you want to design or build. It'll be worth it, I promise.”― Steve Wozniak