Meet New Books
Book Cover

The Ultimate History of Video Games

Save:
Find on Amazon

About:

The Ultimate History of Video Games by Steven L. Kent is a comprehensive exploration of the entire history of the video game industry, from its early beginnings with Atari and the golden age of arcade games in the 1980s to the rise of major consoles like Sony's PlayStation 2, Nintendo's GameCube, and Microsoft's Xbox in the early 2000s. The book delves into the key players and events that shaped the industry, including controversies, legal battles, and the impact of companies like Nintendo and Sega. Readers are taken on a journey through the evolution of video games, touching on major milestones and the individuals who played crucial roles in the industry's development.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is comprehensive and filled with details, providing an informative historical account, though it may come off as dry for readers with a focus only on the games.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative thoroughly examines the extensive history of the video game industry, highlighting pivotal companies and individuals while discussing the controversies and legal disputes that shaped its evolution.

Setting:

The setting prominently features the North American market with references to Japanese developments, while largely neglecting the European gaming scene.

Pacing:

The pacing offers a thorough detailing of events which may feel slow to some, yet is well-structured for those interested in an extensive historical overview.

Notes:

The book covers the history of the video game industry from the early 1970s to 2021.
It highlights significant figures like Nolan Bushnell and Ralph Baer.
Atari was known for its work ethic but also its internal conflicts.
Nintendo played a crucial role in reviving the gaming industry after the 1983 crash.
The book discusses major legal battles over patents in the industry.
Volume 1 focuses on the rise of home consoles until the end of the Sega Dreamcast.
Volume 2 covers later generations including the PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox.
The author delves into both games and the companies behind them, providing a comprehensive look.
Despite its focus on consoles, the book has limited coverage of PC and handheld gaming.
Kent discusses the political and business decisions affecting major companies like Atari and Sega.

From The Publisher:

The definitive behind-the-scenes history of the dawn of video games and their rise into a multibillion-dollar business

"For industry insiders and game players alike, this book is a must-have."-Mark Turmell, designer for Midway Games and creator of NBA Jam, NFL Blitz, and WrestleMania

With all the whiz, bang, pop, and shimmer of a glowing arcade, volume 1 of 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. Starting in arcades then moving to televisions and handheld devices, the video game invasion has entranced kids and the young at heart for nearly fifty years. And gaming historian Steven L. Kent has been there to record the craze from the very beginning.

The Ultimate History: Volume 1 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, Kent chronicles 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.

September 2001
624 pages

Ratings (1)

Incredible (1)

Reader Stats (1):

Read It (1)
 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.