If you’re looking for something to read about the video game industry, here’s a list of some top-rated books, in no particular order:
Video game investigative journalist, Jason Schreier, takes you on a journey through the process of video game development by taking some of the most recent hits (as of 2017) and documents the process the developers took to make their games.
The stranger than fiction story behind the 90’s mega beef between Nintendo and Sega. We get a wild romp through the early 90’s video game corporate war based on interviews with former Nintendo employees and the former CEO of Sega of America—who had no experience in the video game industry— and how he and his scrappy employees turned Sega into a mega player.
This is an oldy but goodie— this book recognizes the unforgettable games, the people who made them, and of course, the fans from arcade to home gaming.
In another book from Jason Schreier, he brings you behind the scenes of some the industry’s most notorious studios fell apart by discussing stories of volatility, drama, abuse, and takeovers.
The true story of how John Carmack and John Romero co-created two of history’s most infamous video game franchises: Doom and Quake.
Jeff Ryan brings us the story of how the Japanese company found success in the American market through lawsuits, Hollywood, die- hard fans, and showdowns with Sony and Microsoft.
A memoir following the career of Sid Meier, the creator of some of the world’s most popular video games, including Civilization. He also provides insight into the history of the industry, creative process, and psychology of gamers.
Through extensive research and interviews, Donovan compiles a sweeping account of the history of video games and how it was elevated to an art form.
Jason Schrier is back again with the decades-long saga of Blizzard Entertainment, considered The Social Network for the video game industry, and crafted after 300 first hand interviews with current and former employees, we get a true insight into this company once synonymous with perfection.
What are your favorite video game industry books? Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think!
