Press Play! A Gamer's Booklist
Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite video games were made, wanted to explore an adventure set in a video game world or wished to learn more about the history of your favorite consoles? Here’s a list of books that will give you insights on video gaming, tips for the hottest games or provide a fun video game-themed fiction read. Many of these titles are available in e-book and audiobook format and are also available to reserve for pickup at one of the Library's grab and go locations. Are you up for the challenge?
Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle that Defined a Generation by Blake J. Harris
Growing up in the '90s, one of the biggest wars among gamers was the "console wars" between Sega and Nintendo. You can only choose one side. This book explains how a small company like Sega took on the giant wave that was Nintendo. It gives details on what lead up to the war, the war itself and the aftermath. It's perfect for anyone who grew up during this era of gaming.
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games are Made by Jason Schreier
Jason Schreier, world famous gaming journalist of Kotaku fame, goes behind the scenes of some of the biggest titles out there such as Uncharted, The Witcher and the indie darling, Shovel Knight. These stories will take you through the development of about ten games and gives insights into the harsh reality of how video games are made and the process it takes to release them.
Getting Gamers: The Psychology of Video Games and their Impact on the People Who Play Them byJason Madigan
Many argue that video games are a waste of time, a useless hobby and you don’t learn or gain anything from playing them. This book is in a gamer’s defense as Madigan describes the connection between society and gaming and shows how gaming can be beneficial for gamers and non gamers alike.
MineCraft: Guide to Creative by Craig Jelley
For younger audiences who enjoys this fun world-building game, here’s a series of books that will help you create bigger, brighter and more complex worlds. These guides are somewhat geared towards the more advanced players of the game, but still acceessable to the novice player who might want a bit more of a challenge.
Tetris: The Games People Play by Box Brown
The story of Tetris is told through a graphic novel format which makes this one a fun read. The book depicts the history of the worldwide phenomenon that was Tetris in the '80s including the bidding war over the game, why some copies on the Nintento looked a bit different than the standard cartridges, and the impact the game has had on the generations who have played it.
The Comic Book Story of Video Games: The Incredible History of the Electronic Gaming Revolution by Johnathan Hennessey
This book gives you insight into the history of video games going as far back at their start in 1970s arcades and going all the way to introduction of Pokémon Go in 2017 and everything in between. From Atari to PlayStation to mobile games, the story unfolds in a graphic novel format giving visuals into what was occurring during multiple eras in the gaming industry.
Fiction
Ready, Player, One by Ernest Cline
Set in the near future, Wade Watts goes into a virtual reality game to escape his grim reality. He soon enters a contest to take over inheritance of the gaming company. What happens next is a wild ride of '80s pop culture explosions filled with action and mystery. Definitely a worthwhile read. Check out the movie afterwards once you’re done.
Trapped in a Video Game, book 1 by Dustin Brady
Jesse Rigsby hates video games—and for good reason. You see, a video game character is trying to kill him. After getting sucked into the new game Full Blast with his friend Eric, Jesse starts to see the appeal of vaporizing man-size praying mantises while cruising around by jet pack. Pretty soon, a mysterious figure begins following Eric and Jesse, and they discover they can't leave the game. If they don't figure out what's going on fast, they'll be trapped in the game for good!
Scott Pilgrim series by Bryan Lee O'Malley
Scott Pilgrim has a girlfriend, his own rock band and is just living life until he meets a new love interest—Romana Flowers. Scott tries to score a date with Romana but there’s a catch. He must battle and defeat her six evil exes. This series is filled with video game references that would warrant a couple of readings to fully get them all. Once you’re done with the series, seek out the movie adaption. You won't be disappointed.
Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.
Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!