The growth in popularity and complexity of video games has spurred new interest in how games are developed and in the research and technology behind them. David Heineman brings together some of the most iconic, influential, and interesting voices from across the gaming industry and asks them to weigh in on the past, present, and future of video games. Among them are legendary game designers Nolan Bushnell (Pong) and Eugene Jarvis (Defender), who talk about their history of innovations from the earliest days of the video game industry through to the present; contemporary trailblazers Kellee Santiago (Journey) and Casey Hudson (Mass Effect), who discuss contemporary relationships between those who create games and those who play them; and scholars Ian Bogost (How to Do Things With Videogames) and Edward Castronova (Exodus to the Virtual World), who discuss how to research and write about games in ways that engage a range of audiences. These experts and others offer fascinating perspectives on video games, game studies, gaming culture, and the game industry more broadly.

About the Author

David S. Heineman is Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

Reviews

This worthwhile read is for any gamer, or for anyone interested in this cultural phenomenon; it will make you think critically about video games.

* Library Journal (Starred Review) *



Book Information
ISBN 9780253017154
Author David S. Heineman
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Weight(grams) 349g