Books Like Masters of Doom

Books Like Masters of Doom

With billions annually in global sales, video games have grown from a niche to a mainstream industry. While most people are familiar with some of the biggest titles on the market, they might not know the stories behind them. Many of the most popular releases have had tumultuous development cycles, and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into bringing them to the market. Books like Masters of Doom by David Kushner lifted the curtain on the video game industry and showed fans what it took to release one of the most influential games of all time. For more books that go behind the scenes or provide an insider's perspective on video games, check out the following books like Masters of Doom.

Jacked: The Outlaw Story of Grand Theft Auto

by David Kushner

Jacked: The Outlaw Story of Grand Theft Auto by David Kushner

Masters of Doom was not the only book about the videogame industry written by David Kushner, as he is also the author of Jacked: The Outlaw Story of Grand Theft Auto. The book was released in 2012 and saw Kushner shed some light on the development of the Grand Theft Auto series and the elusive developer, Rockstar Games. Jacked also delves into the story of Sam Houser and Dan Houser, the brothers who co-founded Rockstar Games. Just like Doom, the Grand Theft Auto series has had its fair share of controversies, which makes for an interesting read.

The Tetris Effect: The Game that Hypnotized the World

by Dan Ackerman

The Tetris Effect: The Game That Hypnotized the World by Dan Ackerman

With countless adaptations across all gaming platforms, there's no denying Tetris's cultural impact. It is one of the most popular and recognizable games of all time, and in The Tetris Effect by Dan Ackerman, the author reveals its unlikely path to success. From its creation in Soviet Russia on antiquated computers to billions in sales and a display at the Museum of Modern Art, Tetris surpassed all expectations. The Tetris Effect is also the story of Alexey Pajitnov, the game's creator, who had no idea how his labor of love would impact the world.

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

by Sid Meier

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

Sid Meier is the programmer, designer, and producer of some of the best-received strategy games of all time, including the Civilization series. In this memoir, he shares his story about how he went from being an obsessive young computer enthusiast to the creator of titles that have sold millions of units worldwide. Fans who have been following his career will enjoy insights into how he founded his influential studio, MicroProse, and some of the stories behind his biggest hits. In addition, the book also provides some great insights into his creative process and philosophy of video games. 

Once Upon Atari

by Howard Scott Warshaw

Once Upon Atari by Howard Scott Warshaw

Howard Scott Warshaw is a well-known name in the video game industry. His Atari 2600 adaptation of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is believed by many to have contributed to the video game crash of 1983. While there has been a lot of speculation about what really went on behind the scenes at Atari during those early days of the industry, this book sheds some light on the situation. Warshaw covers topics such as the corporate intrigue that went on and what really caused the video game crash of 1983. 

The Making of Prince of Persia

by Jordan Mechner

The Making of Prince of Persia by Jordan Mechner

The original Prince of Persia was created by Jordan Mechner in 1989 for the Apple II before it was eventually ported to nearly every computer and console platform. The game was hugely influential, and the franchise received a reboot in 2001, which led to additional sequels and spin-offs. This book sees Mechner reveal how he went from being a solo programmer in his parent's basement to seeing his game played by millions of people worldwide and eventually turned into a Jerry Bruckheimer movie. Mechner kept journals of his time working on the game, which offer a unique insight into what it meant to be a game developer in those early days of the industry.

Monster Kids: How Pokemon Taught a Generation to Catch Them All

by Daniel Dockery

Monster Kids: How Pokemon Taught A Generation to Catch Them All by Daniel Dockery

Nearly 25 years after Pokemon burst on the scene, it has continued to capture the attention and adoration of new generations of fans. Monster Kids by Daniel Dockery takes a look at how this popular Japanese franchise was born and the influences that it has had on the cultural landscape. This makes it more than just a journey through the history of Pokemon as it also includes dozens of firsthand interviews and the personal stories of those involved in bringing it to the global stage.

Super Mario

by Jeff Ryan

Super Mario by Jeff Ryan

Super Mario by Jeff Ryan tells the story of one of the most successful franchises in gaming history. Few people could have predicted that when the portly plumber burst onto the scene in 1981 that he would not only become the face of Nintendo but continue to star in blockbuster games to this day. However, the story of Mario is also one of lawsuits, Hollywood, and plenty of other dramas. This book also looks at Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario's eccentric yet brilliant creator, and how he went from being considered expendable at Nintendo to being one of their most famous employees.

The Making of Tomb Raider

by Daryl Baxter

The Making of Tomb Raider by Daryl Baxter

With multiple hit games, a few Hollywood movies, and countless magazine covers, there was no denying the impact that Lara Croft, the heroine of Tomb Raider, had. The Making of Tomb Raider looks at how this popular franchise was born early in the nineties when 3D games were still new. In addition, the Making of Tomb Raider features countless interviews with everyone responsible for making the first game the runaway success that it was.