Game On

Videogames have come a long way since the first ever computer game, Spacewar, was developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1962 using technology developed to further man’s attempts at space travel. In the last ten years games have developed rapidly to become one of the most profitable entertainment sectors in the world, giving rise to a billion dollar creative industry. The technical capabilities of games design have made a remarkable simulation of reality possible. The influence of games is so pervasive that games characters, such as Lara Croft from Tomb Raider, have become cultural icons. Games have also influenced music and film. The first animated movie based on a game, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, recently set a new standard for computer graphics animation using characters that are almost indistinguishable from human actors. Game On examines the world of videogames from a global perspective. The book is structured around eight essays focusing on key themes, from characters in games to future technical developments. Writers include J. C. Hertz, Steven Poole, Henry Jenkins, Clive Thompson and Eric Zimmerman. Drop-in quotes from games players/children also appear, along with profiles of key games creators. Highly illustrated throughout with games past and present, the book is for readers of all ages and backgrounds, both games players and those involved in the games industry.