Best of
Video-Games

2020

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Official Companion Guide


Jade Bacalso - 2020
    Your one-stop guide to a perfect island vacation is right here!Animal Crossing™: New Horizons takes you to a deserted island and lets you craft it into your own personal paradise inhabited by a unique, character-filled community. This premium book is both the perfect guide for getting the most out of island life, and the ultimate reference for anyone who insists on having it all.

The Art of Cuphead


Eli Cymet - 2020
    Take a gander at the game's traditional hand-drawn frame-by-frame animation. Peek at the early concepts, production work, and early ideas that went into the making of Cuphead's characters, bosses, stages and more including never-before-seen content from the upcoming DLC!Relive the most cherished and challenging moments of Cuphead and Mugman's adventure to reclaim their souls from The Devil, all in a way you've never seen before! Guided by personal insights from game directors Chad and Jared Moldenhauer, take a one-of-a-kind trip through the Inkwell Isles and discover an all-new appreciation for Cuphead's animation style and challenging retro gameplay.Dark Horse Books and Studio MDHR are thrilled to present The Art of Cuphead! This vintage-style art extravaganza is the perfect book for fans of Cuphead!

Sid Meier's Memoir!: A Life in Computer Games


Sid Meier - 2020
    Sid Meier’s Memoir! is the story of an obsessive young computer enthusiast who helped launch a multibilliondollar industry. Writing with warmth and ironic humor, Meier describes the genesis of his influential studio, MicroProse, founded in 1982 after a trip to a Las Vegas arcade, and recounts the development of landmark games, from vintage classics like Pirates! and Railroad Tycoon, to Civilization and beyond.Articulating his philosophy that a videogame should be “a series of interesting decisions,” Meier also shares his perspective on the history of the industry, the psychology of gamers, and fascinating insights into the creative process, including his ten rules of good game design.

The World of Cyberpunk 2077


Marcin Batylda - 2020
    Delve into incisive lore to discover how the economic decline of the United States created a crippling dependence on devious corporations and birthed the Free State of California. Explore the various districts, gangs, and history of Night City. Learn all there is to know about the technology of tomorrow and research the cybernetics, weapons, and vehicles of Cyberpunk 2077.Dark Horse Books and CD Projekt Red present The World of Cyberpunk 2077--an extensive examination of the rich lore of Cyberpunk 2077. This intricately assembled tome contains everything you need to know about the history, characters, and world of the long-awaited follow-up from the creators of The Witcher video game series.

Minecraft: Guide to Survival


Mojang AB - 2020
    Previously published as Guide to Exploration, the revised and updated Guide to Survival has even more insider info and tips from the experts at game-creator Mojang, making this is the definitive, fully illustrated guide to survival in Minecraft.The mysterious world of Minecraft is just waiting to be explored. But danger lurks around every corner and survival can prove difficult for even the bravest adventurer.Learn how to find resources, craft equipment, and protect yourself. Discover which biomes to avoid when starting out, how to build a mob-proof shelter, where to look for naturally-generated structures laden with loot, and so much more.Collect all of the official Minecraft books: Minecraft: The IslandMinecraft: The CrashMinecraft: The Lost JournalsMinecraft: The Survivors' Book of SecretsMinecraft: Exploded Builds: Medieval FortressMinecraft: Guide to ExplorationMinecraft: Guide to CreativeMinecraft: Guide to the Nether & the EndMinecraft: Guide to RedstoneMinecraft: MobestiaryMinecraft: Guide to Enchantments & PotionsMinecraft: Guide to PVP MinigamesMinecraft: Guide to FarmingMinecraft: Let's Build! Theme Park AdventureMinecraft for BeginnersMinecraft: Guide to Ocean SurvivalMinecraft: Guide to Survival

The Art and Making of Control Limited Edition


Future Press - 2020
    With Control they have layered these elements on top of a staggering feat of world building. With both of its expansions now released, Future Press is proud to present the ultimate companion book to Control.The Art and Making of Control is a truly unique, limited edition companion book for one of the most outstanding games of recent times. Remedy’s world-class art direction is given the treatment it deserves—concept art, sketches and renders are beautifully framed across almost 400 pages of in-depth, behind the scenes content. Take a journey through the game design, VFX work, narrative design, creative direction, costume design and world building that have collectively brought Control and its expansions to life.Limited Edition with a premium hardcoverPrinted on high quality art paper with colored page edgesThread-sewn binding for maximum page view and durabilityComes in a textured, protective slipcaseThree exclusive Art Cards in a unique folderIncludes unseen artwork from the Foundation and AWE expansions

The Art of Ghost of Tsushima


Sucker Punch Productions - 2020
    Dark Horse Books and Sucker Punch Productions are honored to present The Art of Ghost of Tsushima. Explore a unique and intimate look at the Tsushima Islands--all collected into a gorgeous, ornately designed art book.Step into the role of Tsushima Island's last samurai, instilling fear and fighting back against the Mongolian invasion of Japan in the open-world adventure, Ghost of Tsushima. This volume vividly showcases every detail of the vast and exotic locale, featuring elegant illustrations of dynamic characters, spirited landscapes, and diagrams of Samurai sword-fighting techniques, along with a look at storyboards and renders from the most intense, eloquent, and expressive cinematic moments of the game.

The Art of Assassin's Creed: Valhalla


Ubisoft - 2020
    This art book offers an insider's look at first title in the franchise to explore Norse culture and the Viking invasion of England in the 9th century. Featuring iconic artworks ranging from stunning settings to brutal weapons, as well as developer insights, this is a must-have for any Assassin's Creed fan and art lover alike.

The Making of Prince of Persia: Journals 1985-1993--Illustrated Edition


Jordan Mechner - 2020
    

World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms


Christie Golden - 2020
    Now players can get an in-depth look at the items they have collected…and the fearsome powers they hold.From the shining towers of Silvermoon to the sulfurous Blackrock Mountain to the white stone castles of Stormwind, the Eastern Kingdoms are vast and full of wonder. Every corner of the majestic isle contains countless stories, treasures, and more than a few secrets that some would prefer stay buried. Follow Spymaster Mathias Shaw and Captain Flynn Fairwind on an expedition across the Eastern Kingdoms for king and country as they chronicle its history and catalog the weapons, armor, and powers untold that are scattered across this sprawling dominion. Penned by New York Times bestselling author and Blizzard Entertainment writer Christie Golden, Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms is your first step on a truly remarkable journey across the beloved lands of Azeroth

The Art of Spyro: Reignited Trilogy


Micky Neilson - 2020
    

Kirby: Art & Style Collection


Joel Enos - 2020
    Featuring twenty-five years worth of sketches, artwork, Japanese video game box art, and more. With exclusive notes from creators and artists who have brought Kirby to life throughout the years.

The Book of Esports: The Definitive Guide to Competitive Video Games


William Collis - 2020
     The Book of Esports answers: What exactly are esports, and how did they become so popular so quickly? Why did blockbuster video games like League of Legends, Fortnite and Starcraft succeed? Where exactly is all this video gaming headed? What is the future of esports? What do gamers and college students need to know to position themselves for success in the industry? How do you create a billion-dollar esports business? What strategic choices drive success in the modern gaming industry? Can video games really get your kid into college? (All expenses paid, of course...) Whether you are a lifelong gamer, a curious Fortnite parent, or a businessperson seeking to understand the marketing opportunities of this multibillion-dollar phenomenon, THE BOOK OF ESPORTS charts the rise of this exciting new industry, for the first time ever crafting a comprehensive overview of esports and its implications for human competition—and even the future of humanity itself. Featuring select interviews from the biggest names in the industry, The Book of Esports weaves tales of trust, betrayal, and superhuman reflexes into predictive frameworks, explaining exactly why our industry looks the way it does, and how all this growth—and more—is inevitable as the divide between man and machine blurs into oblivion. Detailed and accessible, gaming luminary and Harvard MBA William Collis has painstakingly translated esports’ mysteries into a testament for today. Everyone can enjoy The Book of Esports because everyone should enjoy esports. So what are you waiting for? Take the wildest ride into worlds unreal, and discover that true human competition is always just a click away.

GAMEDEV: 10 Steps to Making Your First Game Successful


Wlad Marhulets - 2020
    This book is for beginners and assumes no knowledge of game development on the reader's part.As a first-time developer with no prior experience in coding, modeling, texturing, animation, game design, etc., I managed to launch DARQ to both commercial success and critical acclaim. With $0 spent on marketing, it was featured in major media outlets, such as IGN, Kotaku, PC Gamer, GameSpot, Forbes, and hundreds of others. DARQ won numerous awards, such as The Best Game of the MIX / PAX, and received a user rating of 9 out of 10. DARQ was in the TOP 50 of the most wishlisted games on Steam before launch. It made it to the "Top Selling," "New and Popular," and "Featured and Recommended" tabs on Steam. Ultimately, DARQ became #42 Most Shared PC Video Game of 2019 (Metacritic). In this book, I describe how I did it. If you're an aspiring developer wanting to make a living from making games, this book is for you.What is the book about?The book guides you through a step-by-step process of making a commercial game. It teaches you how to learn all the necessary skills and covers various aspects of game development: mindset, preproduction, funding, business, law, development, marketing, PR, publishing, distribution, as well as pre-launch, launch, and post-launch strategies.Endorsements"Reading this book is the shortest route toward a solid understanding of how to make indie games, both from creative and business perspectives."—Quentin De Beukelaer | Game Designer of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Assassin's Creed Unity, Ghost Recon Breakpoint"There are many books on game development, but none of them address the mindset you need for success. Wlad's philosophy very much reminds me of what it was like in the early days of making games for Blizzard."—Mark Kern | Former Team Lead for World of Warcraft, Producer of Diablo II and Starcraft."This book is a comprehensive guide to the business of game development."—Bjørn Jacobsen | Sound Designer of Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman"This book captures the process and creates a valuable resource for upcoming developers and creators alike."—Piotr Babieno | CEO of Bloober Team, Layers of Fear, Blair Witch, Observer, The Medium"This book is bursting with wisdom that will move you closer to realizing your dream."—Richard Gale | 3-time Emmy-winning directorThe foreword is written by Oscar, Pulitzer Prize, and 5-time Grammy Award-winning composer John Corigliano.CollaboratorsThe book features advice by a number of industry professionals, including:Mark Kern (former lead for World of Warcraft, producer of Diablo II and Starcraft)Quentin De Beukelaer (Game Designer of Assassin's Creed Unity and Ghost Recon Breakpoint)Bjørn Jacobsen (Sound Designer of Cyberpunk 2077 and Divinity: Fallen Heroes)Austin Wintory (Grammy-nominated composer of "Journey")Wojciech Piejko (Lead Designer of "Observer" and "The Medium")Barbara Kciuk (Narrative Designer of Blair Witch)Rami Ismail (Developer of Nuclear Throne and Super Crate Box)Dan Adelman (Biz Dev of "Chasm" and "Axiom Verge")Scott Millard (Publisher, Managing Director at Feardemic, Former Managing Director at Bandai Namco)Stephen McArthur (Video Game Attorney)Toms Martin (Video Game Investor)

Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair Volume 2


Spike Chunsoft - 2020
    Hajime learns a little about each of his classmates and the tropical paradise that is their prison. Now everyone is determined to prevent another murder from happening--everyone except Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu, that is...Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair is an alternate version of the events told in the manga Danganronpa 2: Ultimate Luck and Hope and Despair. That series told the story through the eyes of Ultimate Lucky Student Nagito Komaeda; now Goodbye Despair gives you the perspective of his arch-rival in the desperate classroom murder game, Hajime Hinata!

Not All Fairy Tales Have Happy Endings: The rise and fall of Sierra On-Line


Ken Williams - 2020
    The author, Ken Williams, founded Sierra On-Line Sierra with his wife Roberta who went on to create many of the company's best selling games. Sierra grew from just Ken and Roberta to over one thousand employees and a fan base that still exists today, despite the fact that the company was torn apart by criminal activities, scandal and corruption that resulted in jail sentences and the collapse of Sierra. This is the behind-the-scenes story of the rise and fall, as it could only be told by the ultimate insider.

Carnival Chaos


Ron Bates - 2020
    Join them on their adventure as they make merry mischief in the vibrant and topsy-turvy world of the Inkwell Isles! It's a special day on the Inkwell Isles: Elder Kettle's birthday! Yes, sirree, it's a very special day. So Cuphead and Mugman need to find the perfect gift to honor their beloved mentor. But along the way, the brothers and their new friend Ms. Chalice are captivated by the sights and sounds of the carnival that just rolled into town. Despite Elder Kettle's warning that the attraction is filled with liars and thieves, the trio gets reeled in.At the carnival, the friends are bamboozled and burgled by enemies, old and new. Will they escape the chaos and get their gift before it's too late?Includes over 20 never-before-seen illustrations drawn by Studio MDHR's Lance Miller that feature hidden items for an interactive treasure hunt!Cuphead in Carnival Chaos is the first book in an original series and perfect for players of Cuphead, and readers of Hello Neighbor, Bendy and the Ink Machine, and Five Nights at Freddy's.© 2020 StudioMDHR Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. Cuphead(TM), the Cuphead(TM) logo, StudioMDHR(TM) and the StudioMDHR(TM) logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of StudioMDHR Entertainment Inc. throughout the world.

Pokémon Sword Pokémon Shield: The Official Galar Region Pokédex


The Pokémon Company International - 2020
    With entries spanning from your first partner Pokémon to mysterious and powerful Legendary Pokémon, you’ll discover what you need to know to build the team that’s right for you—where to find elusive Pokémon, the moves they can use, how to evolve them, and more. You’ll be prepared for whatever challenges you face! Here’s what you’ll find inside: Detailed info on the Pokémon you can find in Galar Lists of moves, items, and more—including how you might get them! Information on Gigantamax Pokémon!

Gamish: A Graphic History of Gaming


Edward Ross - 2020
    For fans of gaming, this is the perfect read. For those new to gaming, it is the perfect introduction' The ScotsmanA thrilling illustrated journey through the history of video games and what they really mean to usPac-Man. Mario. Minecraft. Doom.Ever since he first booted up his brother's dusty old Atari, comic artist Edward Ross has been hooked on video games. Years later, he began to wonder: what makes games so special? Why do we play? And how do games shape the world we live in?This lovingly illustrated book takes us through the history of video games, from the pioneering prototypes of the 1950s to the modern era of blockbuster hits and ingenious indie gems. Exploring the people and politics behind one of the world's most exciting art-forms, Gamish is a love letter to something that has always been more than just a game.

Cyberpunk 2077: The Complete Official Guide


James Price - 2020
    That freedom is at the very heart of this book, which we designed with one priority in mind: facilitating informed decisions and enabling you, the player, to get the most out of your time in Night City. Compiled and crafted in association with the development team at CD PROJEKT RED, this guide is your indispensable companion to surviving and thriving in the world of the dark future.

Destiny: The Official Cookbook


Victoria Rosenthal - 2020
          Eva Levante has traveled around the world after the events of the Red War, gathering a variety of recipes after crossing paths with many Guardians along the way and learning from their adventures. Craft, mouthwatering food from her diverse list of recipes inspired by the game’s unique world, plus step-by-step instructions and full-color photos, help guide and inspire fans to go on their own culinary adventure through the solar system.  Perfect for all Hunters, Titans, and Warlocks, Destiny: The Official Cookbook is packed with amazing recipes and stories that celebrate Destiny’s vast multiplayer universe.

God of War: Lore and Legends


Rick Barba - 2020
    This hardcover volume chronicles Atreus and Kratos' journey through the fabled Nine Realms, from the Wildwoods of Midgard to the mountains of J�tunheim and beyond. In addition to the record of their mythic journey, this wonderous collection also includes a bestiary that was assembled during those travels, intimate dossiers of the characters that inhabit the masterfully crafted universe, and much more!Dark Horse Books and Santa Monica Studios present God of War: Lore and Legends. This lovingly produced edition is a must own item for any fan of God of War.

The Complete Art of Guild Wars


ArenaNet - 2020
    A glorious, oversized, full-color tome that includes art and commentary chronicling the ongoing development of the Guild Wars universe.Explore the living history of Tyria through an expansive collection of never-before-seen concept art, production material, and creator commentary from Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 that offers exclusive insight into an every-changing world inhabited by millions of players! The continuing growth of the Guild Wars franchise is lovingly detailed by the ArenaNet artists themselves in a volume that commemorates the studio's twentieth anniversary.Dark Horse Books and ArenaNet invite all asura, sylvari, norn, char, and humans to add this wonderful art book as a centerpiece to their collections!

This is esports (and How to Spell it): An Insider’s Guide to the World of Pro Gaming


Paul "ReDeYe" Chaloner - 2020
    Paul "Redeye" Chaloner is quite simply a legend of the esports scene. And now, he will use all his years of experience to write the definitive book on the modern world of esports. What is it? What is life like in an esports team? Just how much corruption and cheating goes on behind it all? And what's it like to stand in front of thousands of people, broadcasting to millions over the world, as one team sits on the brink of earning millions? "Redeye" will reveal all.What is competitive gaming, and where did it come from? What makes it so exciting? The bitter esports team and country rivalries, the scandals, the money, the last-minute Hail Mary plays; it's all here, brought to you with the trademark wit--and access--of the industry's most respected and experienced broadcaster. He'll even tell you how to spell it. This is the world of esports according to its most famous presenter.

Norse Myths That Inspired Final Fantasy VII


M.J. Gallagher - 2020
    Since its inception, its titles have adopted names, themes and stories from across global mythology, including the beliefs of the Vikings.This book embarks on a detailed exploration of how Norse lore in particular influenced the writing and design of Final Fantasy VII – arguably the most critically-acclaimed of the franchise – and its wider compilation.Why is Midgar the political centre of the Planet, and Nibelheim the home of Cloud Strife?How are the Odin Materia, the Rune Blade and Vincent Valentine connected?What are the parallels between Ragnarok and the fall of the Shinra Corporation?These questions and many more will be examined and answered by award-winning community author M. J. Gallagher. Suitable for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.This book has not been approved, licensed, or sponsored by any entity or person involved in creating or producing Final Fantasy®, the videogames, films, or publications.

The Sierra Adventure: The Story of Sierra On-Line


Shawn Mills - 2020
    The Sierra Adventure tells the story of legendary computer game company Sierra On-Line, developer of industry defining titles such as King’s Quest, Quest for Glory, and Leisure Suit Larry.Through interviews with over fifty of the key players at Sierra, management, producers, artists, designers, musicians, and marketing tell the story of Sierra, in their own words.

Ff Dot: The Pixel Art of Final Fantasy


Square Enix - 2020
    This localization of the original Japanese publication holds nearly 300 pages of colorful pixel art, and is an invaluable addition to any Final Fantasy fan's collection.

The Queer Games Avant-Garde: How LGBTQ Game Makers Are Reimagining the Medium of Video Games


Bonnie Ruberg - 2020
    Speaking with insight and candor about their creative practices as well as their politics and passions, these influential and innovative game makers tell stories about their lives and inspirations, the challenges they face, and the ways they understand their places within the wider terrain of video game culture. Their insights go beyond typical conversations about LGBTQ representation in video games or how to improve “diversity” in digital media. Instead, they explore queer game-making practices, the politics of queer independent video games, how queerness can be expressed as an aesthetic practice, the influence of feminist art on their work, and the future of queer video games and technology. These engaging conversations offer a portrait of an influential community that is subverting and redefining the medium of video games by placing queerness front and center. Interviewees: Ryan Rose Aceae, Avery Alder, Jimmy Andrews, Santo Aveiro-Ojeda, Aevee Bee, Tonia B******, Mattie Brice, Nicky Case, Naomi Clark, Mo Cohen, Heather Flowers, Nina Freeman, Jerome Hagen, Kat Jones, Jess Marcotte, Andi McClure, Llaura McGee, Seanna Musgrave, Liz Ryerson, Elizabeth Sampat, Loren Schmidt, Sarah Schoemann, Dietrich Squinkifer, Kara Stone, Emilia Yang, Robert Yang

Horizon Zero Dawn #1.3: The Sunhawk


Anne Toole - 2020
    Aloy and Talanah return in a new story set after the events of the game! Nature has reclaimed the planet. Awe-inspiring machines dominate the land, as humanity fights for survival on this new Earth. Co-created by one of the writers of the Horizon Zero Dawn game Ann Toole.

Once Upon Atari: How I made history by killing an industry


Howard Scott Warshaw - 2020
    

Bioware: Stories and Secrets from 25 Years of Game Development


Ben Gelinas - 2020
    See what it took to make games in those wild early days. Pore over details of secret, cancelled projects. Discover the genesis of beloved characters and games.Presented and designed by Dark Horse Books, this tribute to BioWare's legacy is a must-have for any fan of the best stories you can play.

The Art of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time


Micky Neilson - 2020
    Gamers of every type will cherish this all-encompassing look into the zany, wild and unpredictable world of Crash Bandicoot™ .

The Art of DOOM: Eternal


Bethesda Softworks - 2020
    Witness DOOM Eternal! This epic volume explores the art and development of the hotly anticipated sequel to the 2016 Game Award-winner for Best Action Game! Explore the twisted demonic invasion of Earth, the cultist UAC facilities, and plunge into otherworldly and unknown locations new to the DOOM universe. Admire the dangerous glimmering edges of the Slayer's arsenal and armor. Examine the ancient designs and breeds of Hell's soldiers and lords--all in gloriously designed full color images straight from the files of the game's artists themselves! Dark Horse Books and id Software join forces to present The Art of DOOM Eternal, encompassing every detail you've come to love from DOOM!

Fact Hunt: Fascinating, Funny and Downright Bizarre Facts About Video Games


Larry Bundy Jr - 2020
    Now he has compiled them into a fun, full-colour book with sections on botched game launches, pointless peripherals, unreleased video game movies, weird guest fighters and much, much more.Along the way, he has invited a few famous gaming guests, including Stuart Ashen and Did You Know Gaming?, to provide their favourite quips for your personal perusal. So whatever your level of knowledge about video games, you’re guaranteed to learn a ton of entertaining new information.

Nier: Automata World Guide Volume 2


Square Enix - 2020
    Discover the intricacies of Submergence City, learn more about the characters and enemies with the Data Library, and master the Androids' arsenal! Also featuring concept art and commentary, this second volume of the NieR: Automata World Guide is a must have item for fans of the game!Dark Horse Books and Square Enix come together again to present this adaptation of the original Japanese volume, officially offered in English for the first time!

One Up: Creativity, Competition, and the Global Business of Video Games


Joost Van Dreunen - 2020
    Yet this industry generates billions in revenue by thinking creatively about digital distribution, free-to-play content, and phenomena like e-sports and live streaming. What lessons can we draw from its major successes and failures about the future of entertainment?One Up offers a pioneering empirical analysis of innovation and strategy in the video game industry to explain how it has evolved from a fringe activity to become a mainstream form of entertainment. Joost van Dreunen, a widely recognized industry expert with over twenty years of experience, analyzes how game makers, publishers, and platform holders have tackled strategic challenges to make the video game industry what it is today. Using more than three decades of rigorously compiled industry data, he demonstrates that video game companies flourish when they bring the same level of creativity to business strategy that they bring to game design. Filled with case studies of companies such as Activision Blizzard, Apple, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Microsoft, Nexon, Sony, Take-Two Interactive, Tencent, and Valve, this book forces us to rethink common misconceptions around the emergence of digital and mobile gaming. One Up is required reading for investors, creatives, managers, and anyone looking to learn about the major drivers of change and growth in contemporary entertainment.

Horizon Zero Dawn #1.2: The Sunhawk


Anne Toole - 2020
    Aloy and Talanah return in a new story set after the events of the game! Nature has reclaimed the planet. Awe-inspiring machines dominate the land, as humanity fights for survival on this new Earth. Co-created by one of the writers of the Horizon Zero Dawn game Ann Toole.

Cyberpunk 2077: The Complete Official Guide


Piggyback - 2020
    That freedom is at the very heart of this book, which we designed with one priority in mind: facilitating informed decisions and enabling you, the player, to get the most out of your time in Night City. Compiled and crafted in association with the development team at CD PROJEKT RED, this guide is your indispensable companion to surviving and thriving in the world of the dark future.UTTERLY COMPLETE Main jobs, side jobs, gigs, cyberpsychos, hustles – it‘s all here NON-PRESCRIPTIVE WALKTHROUGHS We highlight rewarding routes and possibilities with annotated maps and screenshots – you decide how to proceed GAME SYSTEMS DECODED XP, skills, perks, cyberware, weapons, mods, crafting, and more. Tailor V to your play style and role-playing preferences DEDICATED ATLAS A collection of hi-res expanded maps covering the entire game area and pinpointing Night City’s many points of interest ADVANCE NOTICE We lay out all crucial choices, branching paths, romances, missables, alternative endings – without spoiling the consequences COMPLETION ROADMAP Comprehensive flowcharts reveal the exact availability conditions and unlock order of all missions INTERACTIVE MAP Includes a unique code giving access to the Premium interactive map   FEATURES     World & Lore: A guide to Night City’s history and districts, with explanations of era-specific technologies, terminology and concepts Visual Solutions: Annotated maps and 4K screenshots Maximum Flexibility: Master all the tools at your disposal to define your personal path – stealth tactics, boss weaknesses, quickhacks, character progression, and so much more Exclusive Information: Direct from the CD PROJEKT RED dev team Spoiler-Controlled: Carefully designed to avoid unnecessary revelations

Dream Master: a Memoir: From the Stoop to the Stage to the Stars


Raheem Jarbo - 2020
    

Minecraft Woodsword Chronicles Box Set Books 1-4


Nick Eliopulos - 2020
    But now it's not a game--and they will have to use everything they know to explore, build, and survive! This handsome boxed set collects the first four books in the only official Minecraft chapter book series. Each illustrated hardcover book is packed with action, thrills, and humor that will engage fans of Minecraft and fantasy stories alike. This boxed set is a great gift item!(c) 2020 Mojang AB and Mojang Synergies AB. MINECRAFT and MOJANG are trademarks or registered trademarks of Mojang Synergies AB.

Hive Knight


Grayson Sinclair - 2020
    I was a fool.The Ouroboros Project was my last chance at salvation, but the new, virtual reality was just as bad as the world I’d left. Backroom deals with corrupt nobles, slavery, and murder were all swept under the rug in the pursuit of gold.Despite everything, I found mercenary life fulfilling, until my guild was attacked. Now, I've got unknown, extremely rich enemies on all sides, a mysterious woman with strange magic and compound eyes, and a guild to save.They brought their war to my home. It’s only fair I return the favor.Hive Knight is book 1 of the Trinity of the Hive series, the first in a dark fantasy series by Grayson Sinclair. Hive Knight features a dystopian real world and a gritty, bleak and immersive VR world.Disclaimer: Not for the faint of heart or those with weak constitutions (roll a saving throw). Doesn't contain a harem.Contains graphic violence, dark themes, explicit language, and sex scenes . Content warnings for the following: death of a child, violent death of a sibling and parents, slurs against mental illness/psychiatric disability, rough sex with willing participants, blood exchange and drinking, chattel slavery, copious consumption of alcohol, child abuse, parental abuse of children, suicide, suicidal ideation, transphobic language, torture.

Checkpoint: How video games power up minds, kick ass, and save lives


Joe Donnelly - 2020
    that video games are violent and damaging. That they're for children, or society's outcasts; for the lazy and those without purpose. Joe Donnelly is here to tell you that video games, in fact, save lives. They saved his.Inspired by his own experience navigating depression following a tragic personal loss, Checkpoint reflects on the comforting and healing effect that entering into new digital worlds and narratives can have on mental health both personally and on a wider scale. From the big-budget triple A studios, to the one-person indie set-ups, there are thousands of eye-opening games exploring human complexities overtly and subtly all waiting to enthral and comfort players old and new.Through exclusive, in-depth interviews with video game developers, health professionals, charities and gamers alike, Joe makes the case for the vital value of gaming culture and why we should be more open minded and willing to pick up a controller if not for fun, for the well-being of ourselves and our loved ones.

Horizon Zero Dawn #1.4: The Sunhawk


Anne Toole - 2020
    Aloy and Talanah return in a new story set after the events of the game! Nature has reclaimed the planet. Awe-inspiring machines dominate the land, as humanity fights for survival on this new earth. Co-created by one of the writers of the Horizon Zero Dawn video game, Anne Toole.

Retro Tea Breaks Selected Interviews Vol. 1


Neil Thomas - 2020
    That's the goal with the Retro Tea Break series, and within this book I hope to capture and share these fantastic memories and experiences with you all.This volume includes 12 very special conversations with: The Oliver Twins (British 8-bit pioneers) Al Lowe (Sierra, Video Game Developer) George 'The Fat Man' Sanger (Composer, Freelance/Lucas Arts) Bill Volk (Developer, Activision/Avalon Hill) Francois Lionet (Developer, STOS/AMOS) Rob Hubbard (Composer, C64 Maestro/Electronic Arts) Stoo Cambridge (Artist, Sensible Software) Jon St. John (Voice Over Artist, Duke Nukem 3D) Mike Dailly (DMA, Grand Theft Auto/Lemmings) David Fox (Developer, Lucas Arts)And – exclusive to the book – two new interviews with Chris Sawyer (Transport Tycoon, RollerCoaster Tycoon) and Ken Silverman (Build engine).

Gamer Trouble: Feminist Confrontations in Digital Culture


Amanda Phillips - 2020
    As our popular understanding of "gamer" shifts beyond its historical construction as a white, straight, adolescent, cisgender male, the troubles that emerge both confirm and challenge our understanding of identity politics. In Gamer Trouble, Amanda Phillips excavates the turbulent relationships between surface and depth in contemporary gaming culture, taking readers under the hood of the mechanisms of video games in order to understand the ways that difference gets baked into its technological, ludic, ideological, and social systems.By centering the insights of queer and women of color feminisms in readings of online harassment campaigns, industry animation practices, and popular video games like Portal and Mass Effect, Phillips adds essential analytical tools to our conversations about video games. She embraces the trouble that attends disciplinary crossroads, linking the violent hate speech of trolls and the representational practices marginalizing people of color, women, and queers in entertainment media to the dehumanizing logic undergirding computation and the optimization strategies of gameplay. From the microcosmic level of electricity and flicks of a thumb to the grand stages of identity politics and global capitalism, wherever gamers find themselves, gamer trouble follows. As reinvigorated forms of racism, sexism, and homophobia thrive in games and gaming communities, Phillips follows the lead of those who have been making good trouble all along, agitating for a better world.

Attract Mode: The Rise and Fall of Coin-Op Arcade Games


Jamie Lendino - 2020
    

Game Boy: The Box Art Collection


Bitmap Books - 2020
    It's home to some of the most famous names in the videogame business, such as Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Mega Man, Castlevania, Gradius and Final Fantasy, and many of its best titles hold up surprisingly well by modern standards – with technology this basic, developers of the period needed to make sure the gameplay was compelling and addictive.We've worked closely with some of the world's most renowned Game Boy collectors to pull together a varied selection of titles that spans both Western and Eastern tastes. We've tried to strike the right balance between the two, and we hope you'll enjoy seeing some familiar pieces of art rubbing shoulders with covers for games you perhaps know from the dim and distant past, but have never before seen presented in the packaging shown here.The other notable addition is the inclusion of screenshots on each page, giving you the opportunity to see what the games in question actually look like. As if that wasn't enough, we've gone to the extra effort of professionally translating the titles of Japanese games into Romaji – something that, to our knowledge, has never been properly attempted before in any English-language book. Game Boy: The Box Art Collection also includes a foreword by Gameboycameraman, a collector's interview and an extensive feature on the history of the Game Boy.At 372 pages long, Game Boy: The Box Art Collection also boasts a metallic silver textured cover with a metallic blue foil logo. As with all our books, we use thread sewn binding for extra durability and print lithographically on high-quality paper to showcase the gorgeous visuals as they deserve.