Rockstar Games and American History

"Rockstar Games and American History" is a comprehensive non-fiction book that examines the role of Rockstar Games in the portrayal and interpretation of American history. Over two decades, the company has developed games that are both commercially successful and culturally significant. These titles, including the critically acclaimed "Red Dead Redemption" and "L. A. Noire," provide not only entertainment but also critical perspectives on American identity and its excesses. The book combines an analysis of the games with official communications and promotional materials from Rockstar to illuminate how the company creates new narratives about the history and culture of the USA. It explores how Rockstar's brand identity and its games interact to create a new form of video game history, and how the authenticity of these products is claimed through promotional materials. By linking historical game studies, U.S. history, and film and media studies, the book raises the question of how contemporary demands for historical authenticity influence our understanding of the past.