Press Reset takes readers on a fascinating journey through the video game industry, from its early days of garage programmers and mods to the global powerhouse it is today. Along the way, Jason Schreier sheds light on little-known stories about scrapped games, studio politics, and layoffs—and profiles some of gaming’s most memorable personalities. In Press Reset , you’ll learn how hit games like Half-Life 2 were made; why Valve boss Gabe Newell banned Christmas at his company ; what led to Bungie splitting from Microsoft ; and much more. This book offers an inside look at one of humanity’s greatest cultural achievements: digital entertainment.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for people who are interested in the video game industry, how it works and some of the history behind popular games. It would be a good read for someone who wants to know more about gaming culture or those curious about what goes on behind-the-scenes in game development.
Pros :
- Insightful
- Entertaining
- Well researched
Cons :
- It’s dense
- It can be repetitive
- Some sections are outdated
Learn more about the author
Jason Schreier is a news editor at Kotaku, where he has covered the video game industry since 2011. He has also written for Wired, Polygon, and The Verge. Before joining Kotaku , Jason was an opinion columnist and features writer at Gaming Age .
Reader Reviews
“Jason Schreier has captured the spirit of video gaming and its people in a brilliantly written and incisive book. If you want to know where games come from, how they’re made, and why they mean so much to us all, Press Reset is essential reading.”
“This is the book that every gamer needs to read. It covers all aspects of the gaming industry, from its inception to the current day, and does so in an engaging and entertaining way. If you’re at all interested in video games, then this is a must-read.”
“I loved this book! Schreier’s history of the video game industry is detailed, insightful, and entertaining. If you’re a gamer (or even if you’re not), Press Reset is well worth your time.”
“This is the book I’ve been waiting for. Jason Schreier has a nose for fascinating detail and a knack for storytelling, which makes Press Reset an irresistible read about one of my favorite subjects. If you’re at all interested in video games, you need to pick up this book.”
