Game Changers

An A to Z of video games features 300 entries showcasing the most influential and celebrated games, consoles, publishers, and more. This book provides a visual history of all things video games, offering an overview of the gaming industry from the very first game created in the mid-twentieth century to the present day. It focuses on advances within the industry, including new technologies, innovative gameplay, groundbreaking graphics, and design. An introduction by Simon Parkin outlines gaming history and explores how iconic games have pushed the boundaries of the medium. The 300 entries, handpicked by a panel of industry experts, highlight the most influential and celebrated games, consoles, publishers, and more. Each entry includes informative text about the game and its history, its place in popular culture, and useful facts, with exciting and sometimes unexpected pairings provided by the A to Z organization. A glossary of key terms and select biographies of influential creators and developers offer additional context, while a system of icons and infographics allows readers to see the connections between the book's entries. The wider gaming culture and its evolution from a niche hobby to a worldwide phenomenon, influencing popular culture, are also explored, making this the most comprehensive survey of games and gaming available today.