It’s National Read a Book Day today, 6th September. So maybe put down your controller a pick up a book for a little while?
You don’t have to stray too far from video games to enjoy a good book, however. There are plenty of good books about video games, about their art, and about the processes that go into making them. We’ve rounded up some of the best video game books right here that you can enjoy today, on National Read a Book Day.
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More games and books colliding:
- World Book Day 2022: The Best Games Based on Books
- Five Great Books Based on Video Games
- These Retro Gaming Books Will Have You Turning Pages
1. Disrupting the Game by Reggie Fils-Aime
The retired COO of Nintendo of America, Reggie Fils-Aime shares his experience in being the face of one of the biggest video game companies in the world. He talks about his career path, from being a child of Haitian immigrants to one of the biggest names in the gaming industry. He gives insight into what it takes to lead a company and gives actionable advice on being a leader.
2. The Game Console 2.0: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox by Evan Amos
This photographical journey will take you on a trip back in time to look at over 100 video game consoles – the famous and the forgotten. Consoles have been lovingly photographed, along with their accessories and variations. It’s a beautiful hardcover coffee table book for any console lover.
3. The 100 Greatest Retro Videogames
We love a good listicle and Retro Gamer’s coffee table book of the 100 great retro videogames makes for a great read for fans of old classics. Golden oldies such as Pac-Man, DOOM and Tetris get multiple pages dedicated to them, with insightful essays about their creation and impact on the industry. And, of course, it’s all accompanied by full-colour images.
Buy The 100 Greatest Retro Videogames
4. Blood, Sweat and Pixels by Jason Schreier
Perhaps one of the most well-known names in games journalism, Jason Schreier delves into the world of video game production by giving a deep dive into how some of the biggest games in the world have been made. He talks about the technical nightmares behind Dragon Age: Inquisition, how Stardew Valley went from a single person’s dream to a multi-million dollar franchise, and how Bungie created Destiny, amongst others.
5. The Art of Horizon Forbidden West
Good video game art is a joy, and great video game art is even better. Horizon Forbidden West is a gorgeous-looking game, and this hardcover book provides a fantastic insight into how Aloy’s world has been brought to life. From full-colour images to rough concept art, this is a great companion to the game for any fan.
Buy The Art of Horizon Forbidden West
6. Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia: 30 Years of Sonic the Hedgehog
For Sonic fans, books don’t get much better than this. Released last year to celebrate Sonic’s 30th anniversary, the Encyclo-speed-ia is a deep dive into everything Sonic, from how the blue blur came to be and how the character (and the franchise) has evolved over the years.
Buy Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia
7. Halo: The Official Cookbook
We’re not sure who exactly is playing Halo and thinking that Master Chief’s snackies look tasty. But on the off-chance that is you, here’s the book for you. The Official Halo Cookbook promises to “travel through the otherworldly culinary adventures of the Halo universe”, and it’s taking you along for the ride. There are more than 70 recipes altogether. Huh.
If the food of Halo isn’t for you, there’s also an official Witcher cookbook. Eat like Geralt.
Buy The Official Halo Cookbook
8. The Creative Gene by Hideo Kojima
Is there any mind quite as fascinating as Kojima’s? In his book, he talks about creating Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, and the books, movies and music that have inspired him. It’s a collection of essays giving insight into his way of thinking and how some of the most iconic games of our time came to be.
