Subjects / Video game history & culture

Best books to learn Video game history & culture, in order

This is a subject you read to understand rather than to play, so it opens with the industry's history, the arc from arcades to home consoles to today. Then it moves into design and why certain games matter, and finally into the culture and the people and moments that made gaming a defining art form. Reading the history first gives you the context that makes the design and cultural criticism land.

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Reading paths for video game history & culture

Popular video game history & culture books

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Frequently asked questions

How should I approach learning video game history & culture?
This is a subject you read to understand rather than to play, so it opens with the industry's history, the arc from arcades to home consoles to today. Then it moves into design and why certain games matter, and finally into the culture and the people and moments that made gaming a defining art form. Reading the history first gives you the context that makes the design and cultural criticism land.
What's a good book to start video game history & culture with?
A strong starting point is Console Wars by Blake J. Harris. The ordered reading paths above show exactly where it fits and what to read next.
What should I read after video game history & culture?
Once you have the fundamentals, explore closely related subjects like Cricket, Rugby, Ice hockey.

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