Game Changers - by Phaidon Editors (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A visual history of all things video games, this book will provide the reader with an overview of the gaming industry, from the very first game created around the mid-twentieth century, right through to the present day. Particular focus is given to advances within the industry during this time, such as new technologies, innovative gameplay, never-before-seen graphics, and design. An introduction by Simon Parkin provides an overview of gaming history, and exploring how iconic games have pushed the boundaries of the medium and 300 entries, hand picked by a panel of industry experts, showcase the most influential and celebrated games, consoles, publishers, and more. Each entry is accompanied by text informing the reader about the game and its history, its place in wider popular culture, and including useful information and facts, with exciting and sometimes unexpected pairings provided by the A to Z organisation"--Publisher's description.

Book Synopsis

'A fitting tribute to gaming's Hall of Fame.' - Esquire

As seen in Vanity Fair, Axios Gaming, Esquire, and Polygon

An A to Z of video games - 300 entries showcasing the most influential and celebrated games, consoles, publishers, and more

A visual history of all things video games, this book will provide the reader with an overview of the gaming industry, from the very first game created around the mid-twentieth century, right through to the present day. Particular focus is given to advances within the industry during this time, such as new technologies, innovative gameplay, never-before-seen graphics, and design.

An introduction by Simon Parkin provides an overview of gaming history, and exploring how iconic games have pushed the boundaries of the medium and 300 entries, hand picked by a panel of industry experts, showcase the most influential and celebrated games, consoles, publishers, and more. Each entry is accompanied by text informing the reader about the game and its history, its place in wider popular culture, and including useful information and facts, with exciting and sometimes unexpected pairings provided by the A to Z organisation.

A glossary of key words and select biographies of influential creators and developers provides more context and a system of icons and infographics allows readers to see the connections between the book's 300 entries. Wider gaming culture, and how it has grown from a niche hobby to a worldwide phenomenon, influencing popular culture, is also explored, making this the widest ranging survey of games and gaming available today.

Review Quotes

'This big, fat, shiny book on game-changing video games, from Pac Man to Call of Duty, Donkey Kong to Fortnite and beyond, is big, fat, shiny fun. Informed writing, sharp design, printed on nice heavy paper, a fitting tribute to gaming's Hall of Fame.' - Esquire

'The book managed to surprise me, a hardened video game journalist.' - Polygon, Chris Plante, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief

'A smart, meaty, mature introductory course to gaming.' - Polygon, Best Video Game Books of 2023

'Evokes wonder and nostalgia. - Wallpaper*

'An in-depth excavation into the evolution of video game design and technology. - Dazed

'A highly informational tome that provides insight into 300 highly varied games ... brings well-deserved attention to some of the more slept-on games that have ever been released. - ONE37pm

'Game geeks, get ready!' - The Media Tourist

'Offers a sweeping view of the video game landscape and showcases its breadth.' - GeekDad

'Gamers of all types will appreciate this detailed history of video games ... If you ever wished they'd take a break from screens to read instead, this is the book to do it.' - Redbook Magazine

'If you have any interest in games, you should definitely check out Game Changers.' - Mobile Syrup

'If you're looking for an excellent, gorgeous coffee table book that has amazing games throughout history and great art ... I definitely recommend it.' - Russ Frushtick, The Besties Podcast

About the Author

Phaidon Editors

Simon Parkin is an award-winning British author and journalist and an authority on video games. He is a contributing writer for the New Yorker, a regular contributor to the Guardian, and is a critic for the Observer newspaper. His work has been featured in 'The Best American Nonrequired Reading'. He is the author of several books, including An Illustrated History of 151 Video Games (2019).

India Block is Deputy editor of Disegno, the international quarterly design journal, and a writer with a focus on architecture and design.