Spirit of America Bookstore
Nostalgic Video Games
| back on the Nostalgic Toys, Dolls, and Games Page top of page • links |  | here on Page 1:
short history • links general books • recent books
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"Like so many things distinctly human, electronic games were born out of a combination of innovation, necessity, and curiosity."
L i n k s
'toy' entry at Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retrogaming
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Developers_Conference
browse the Video Games Dept. {returns over 60,000 items} at Amazon
upcoming retro gaming expos http://www.oldschoolgamermagazine.com/tour/
IGDB: The Internet Games Database - the guiding star in your world of gaming [est. 2015]
is operated by Twitch [est. 6/2011] video game live streaming
![The Washington Post newspaper’s Games Break suite of games [est. 9/2023] - including mahjongg](images2/WaPoGameBreak-logo.png "The Washington Post newspaper’s Games Break suite of games [est. 9/2023] - including mahjongg"){kind=logo}
![The Atlantic Magazine’s digital parlor of puzzles and play [est. June 2025]](images2/TheAtlantic-Games.png "The Atlantic Magazine’s digital parlor of puzzles and play [est. June 2025]")
![C.N.N. Games Dept. - free collection of games & puzzles [est. 2009?]](images2/CNNgames.png "C.N.N. Games Dept. - free collection of games & puzzles [est. 2009?]")
![C.N.N. Games Dept. - free collection of games & puzzles [est. 2009?]](images2/TEDgames.png "C.N.N. Games Dept. - free collection of games & puzzles [est. 2009?]")
Games for Change YouTube Channel [est. 2012]
games section on the Huffington Post website
games section on the Morning Brew blogsite
games section on the LinkedIn social media site
E v e n t s
Global Gaming Expo 25 [est. 2001] at The Venetian Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada 
G2E is the catalyst for gaming – fostering innovation and driving growth.
The Latinx Games Festival [Sept 2024] at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico
previously hosted in Southern California; featuring developers, gamers, notable guest speakers from top gaming companies; event aims to explore
alternative career paths for game developers, highlighting the industry's growing significance and diverse support
MañanaCon [est. 2018 > Sept 2024] is a game player convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Prickly Pair Caravan [est. 2023] hosts weekly themed board game nights in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Ä Ä Ä
![logo for Regiment Gaming [est. 2020]](images2/regimentgaming.jpg "logo for Regiment Gaming [est. 2020]")
Regiment Gaming [est. 2020] a community for military veteran gamers
Veteran Gaming League
Veteran Gaming League Tournament [5/2022] co-sponsored by Regiment Gaming,
The American Legion, and The American Red Cross
Ä Ä Ä
![logo for Games for Change Festival [est. 2004]](images2/GamesForChangeFestival2024.png "logo for Games for Change Festival [est. 2004]")
Games For Change Festival [est. 2004] 501(c)3 non-profit
main company website •
entry at Wikipedia
Festival #21 - June 2024 in New York City
General Books About The Video Game Industry
jump to »» recent books
 | "The Medium of The Video Game" [2002] Edited by Mark J.P. Wolf, Foreword by Ralph H. Baer includes Foreword, Introduction, 9 essays, appendix, index Kindle Edition from Univ Texas Press [7/2010] for $22.95 {sic} Univ Texas Press 9x6 pb [2/2002] for $22.95 Univ Texas Press mass pb [2/2002] for $29.93 | |
 | "The Video Game Theory Reader" [2003] Edited by Mark J.P. Wolf & Bernard Perron contributors discuss the relationship between video games and other media; the shift from third- to first-person games; gamers and the gaming community; and the important sociological, cultural, industrial, and economic issues that surround video gaming; contains Foreword by Warren Robinett, Introduction, 13 essays, appendix, bibliography, index Kindle Edition from Routledge [10/2013] for $42.75 {sic} Routledge 9x6 pb [10/2003] for $45.00 Routledge 9x6 hardcover [10/2003] for $152.00 | |
 | "The Encyclopedia of Arcade Video Games - With Price Guide" [2003] by Bill Kurtz More than 600 photos of every popular video game manufactured, along with some long-forgotten machines and even some you've probably never heard of; also information about the manufacturers who produced these classic games, a section about video game collectibles, and information on how to locate your favorite games and start your own collection. Schiffer Publng, Ltd. 11½x9 hardcover [10/2003] for $39.50 Schiffer Publng, Ltd. hardcover [10/2003] for $47.03 | |
 | "The Video Game Theory Reader, Volume 2" [2008] Edited by Bernard Perron & Mark J.P. Wolf contains Foreword by Tim Skelly, Introduction, 16 essays, appendix, bibliography, index Kindle Edition from Routledge [11/2008] for $40.53 {sic} Kindle Edition from Routledge [11/2008] for $40.53 {sic} Routledge 9x6 pb [11/2008] for $42.66 Routledge 9x6 hardcover [11/2008] for $199.99 | |
 | "Replay: The History of Video Games, Illustrated" [2010] by Tristan Donovan, Foreword by Richard Garriott A riveting account of the most important development in entertainment since television; based on extensive research and over 140 exclusive interviews with key movers & shakers from gaming's past, book tells the sensational story of how the creative vision of game designers gave rise to one of the world's most popular and dynamic art forms • NOTE: the ebook is said to have many typos Kindle Edition from Yellow Ant [7/2010] for $4.99 Yellow Ant 9x6 pb [4/2010] for $18.99 | |
 | "Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter" [2010] by Tom Bissell Millions of adults spend hours every week playing video games, and the industry itself now reliably outearns Hollywood; but the wider culture seems to regard video games as, at best, well-designed if mindless enter-tainment. Whether you love video games, loathe video games, or are merely curious about why video games are becoming the dominant popular art form of our time, this book blends memoir, criticism, and first-rate reportage, and is required reading. Kindle Edition from Vintage [6/2010] for $10.99 Vintage 8x5¼ pb [6/2011] for $13.45 Pantheon 8½x6 deckle-edge hardcover [6/2010] for $14.81 | |
 | "All Your Base Are Belong To Us  : How Fifty Years of Videogames Conquered Pop Culture"[2011] by Harold Goldberg Over the last fifty years, video games have grown from curiosities to fads to trends to become one of the world's most popular and fastest-growing forms of mass entertainment; journalist author captures the creativity, contro-versy, and passion behind the meteoric rise of videogames to the top of the pop-culture pantheon thru extensive interviews with gaming's greatest innovators; book examines history of the games Pong, Donkey Kong, Tetris, Grand Theft Auto, World of Warcraft, Bioshock, King's Quest, Bejeweled, Madden Football, Super Mario Brothers, Myst, Crash Bandicoot, The 7th Guest, Shadow Complex, Everquest, The Sims – and many more! Kindle Edition from Crown Archetype [4/2011] for $7.99 Crown 8x5¼ pb [4/2011] for $15.00 | |
 | "Encyclopedia of Video Games: The Culture, Technology, and Art of Gaming" in 2 volumes [grades 6-10; 2012] Edited by Mark J.P. Wolf "the world's first gaming encyclopedia" Kindle Edition from Greenwood [8/2012] for $191.25 {sic} 800-page Greenwood 10½x7½ hardcover [8/2012] for $218.00 2nd Edition, in 3 volumes [5/2021] Kindle Edition from Greenwood [5/2021] for $225.00 {sic} 1368-page 10¾x7½ hardcover [5/2021] for $335.00 | |
 | "Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and The Battle That Defined A Generation" [2014] by Blake J. Harris, Foreword by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg Kindle Edition from Dey Street/HarperCollins [5/2014] for $9.24 Dey Street Books 9x6 pb [6/2015] for $8.98 It Books 9x6 hardcover [5/2014] for $16.00 | |
 | "Computer Games, Children, and The Internet: Technology, Educational Uses, and Effects On Cognitive Development" [2014] Edited by Lucas Mitchell
Nova Science Publng UK 9¼x6¼ hardcover [12/2014] for $151.88 {sic} Nova Science, Inc. hardcover [12/2014] out of print/used | |
 | "Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games Are Made" [2017] national bestseller by Jason Schreier
Kindle Edition from HarperCollins Publrs [9/2017] for $10.99 Harper Paperbacks 8x5¼ pb [9/2017] for $9.59 | |
 | "The History of Gaming (Video Game Revolution Series)" [ages 8-14 years; 2019] by Heather E. Schwartz 38-page Kindle Edition from Capstone Press [5/2019] for $7.95 Capstone Global 9x6¾ pb [5/2019] for $15.55 Capstone Press 9¼x7 library hardcover [8/2019] for $22.58 32-page Capstone Press 9¼x7¼ hardcover [8/2019] for $30.65 | |
 | "The 100 Greatest Retro Videogames: The Inside Stories Behind The Best Games Ever Made, Illustrated" [2020] from Retro Gamer Magazine, Foreword by Iain Lee
includes behind-the-scenes stories, developer interviews – Shigeru Miyamoto on 'Super Mario Bros', John Romero on 'DOOM', Toru Iwatani on 'Pac-Man', Alexey Pajitnov on 'Tetris' – and amazing facts & trivia Carlton Books 9¼x7¼ hardcover [4/2020] for $29.49 | |
 | "Press Reset: Ruin and Recovery In The Video Game Industry" [2021] New York Times bestseller by Jason Schreier book tells stories of the development of landmark games and the shocking closures of the studios that made them, how real people are affected by game studio shutdowns, and how they recover, move on, or escape the industry entirely Kindle Edition from Grand Central Publng [5/2021] for $11.99 Grand Central Publng 8¼x5½ pb [5/2021] for $11.79 | |
 | "From Atari To Nintendo To Sega To The PlayStation: Over 250 Must-Play Retro Video Games From The Seventies, Eighties, Nineties, and New Millennium" [2021] by Jonathan Johnson Kindle Edition from self-publd [11/2021] for $9.99 self-publd 11x8¼ hardcover [11/2021] for $65.00 | |
 | "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: A Novel" [2022] bestseller by Gabrielle Zevin fiction covering 30 years of friendship, love, trauma, and video games Kindle Edition from Vintage [7/2022] for $13.99 Vintage 8x5¼ pb [6/2024] for $5.95 Random House UK 8x5¼ pb [4/2023] for $17.43 Knopf 9½x5½ hardcover [7/2022] for $14.05 | |
 | "The Routledge Companion To Video Game Studies" [2023] Edited by Mark J.P. Wolf & Bernard Perron contains Preface, 74 essays, Index Kindle Edition from Routledge [6/2023] for $60.79 {sic} Routledge 9¾x7 pb [6/2025] for $63.99 {sic} Routledge 9½x6¾ hardcover [6/2023] for $202.63 {sic} | |
 |
"The Stuff Games Are Made Of" [2023] by Pippin Barr 'A deep dive into practical game design through playful philosophy and philosophical play' Kindle Edition from The MIT Press [9/00] for $21.99 {sic} The MIT Press 8x5¼ pb [8/2023] for $30.00 | |
 | "The Video Game Encyclopedia" [2023] by Arnold Ringstad introduces readers to some of the most popular & influential video games of all time: iconic characters, renowned game developers, and how the world of video games has changed from the 1950s to today; features include a glossary and an index ABDO Reference 9x7½ library hardcover [12/2023] for $40.80 | |
 | "Video Games: From Pong To The PS5" [2024] by Nicolò Mulas Marcello & Alberto Bertolazzi part of 'A Visual History of Video Games & Consoles' Series; book is packed with vibrant color photography and rare retro images, a nostalgic journey through every generation of gaming, from the arcade classics of the 1970s to the modern multiplayer worlds of today, highlighting iconic titles, game-changing hardware, and the stories behind the screens Abbeville Press 10½x8½ hardcover [11/2024] for $21.07 | |
 | "Good Game, No Rematch: A Life Made of Video Games" [2025] by Michael Drucker  author is a stand-up comedian, an Emmy®-nominated television writer, and former writer for Nintendo; this fond and joyful memoir combines ridiculous personal stories and fascinating gaming history to explore the poignant ways that electronic entertainment can save us from ourselves; book is 'a love letter to video games and the people who play them', from a very nerdy voice in the world of comedy. Kindle Edition from Hanover Square Press [4/2025] for $14.99 Hanover Square Press 8½x5½ hardcover [4/2025] for $20.10 |
Movies & Videos About The Video Game Industry
{{ in chronological order }}
one podcaster's choices for Best Movies On Video Games:
"Tron" [1982]; "War Games" [1983]; "Wreck-It Ralph" [2012]; "Ready Player One" [2018]; and "Free Guy" [2021]
"Tron" [1982] and several sequels
"War Games" [MGM 1983] /tt0086567/
A young man finds a 'back door' connection into a military central computer in which reality is confused with game-playing, possibly starting World War III.
The studio had the 'Galaxian' (1979) and 'Galaga' (1981) arcade machines delivered to Matthew Broderick's home. He practiced for two months to prepare for the arcade scene.
David Lightman was inspired by real-life hacker David Scott Lewis, who isn't allowed to discuss whether he ever hacked into a military computer. A video game version of this movie was made in 1984 for the ColecoVision, Commodore 64, and Atari 8-Bit Computer. The game started out greeting you as Professor Falken and you would play a game of Global Thermonuclear War. Your objective was to stop nuclear war from occurring by protecting the country with various military vehicles and weapons in a set time limit without reaching Defcon 1.
sequel "War Games: The Dead Code" direct-to-video release [MGM 2008]
"The Wizard" [1989] Adventure, Comedy, Drama /tt0098663/
A boy and his brother run away from home and hitch cross country with the help of a girl that they meet,
to compete in the ultimate video game championship.
"Nickelodeon Arcade" [1992-1997] /tt0300828/
30 min | Two teams vie for a chance to go inside a video game!
Stars: Phil Moore, Andrea Lively, Michael Bower, Melissa Joan Hart
"Once Upon Atari" [2003 Video] 120 min | Documentary /tt0389237/
story of Atari after its fall, from the people who created and escalated Atari to the top
of the computer world: the video game designer and programmers.
"The Video Game Revolution" TV Movie [2004] 120 min | Documentary, History /tt0425619/
A light-hearted look at the worldwide phenomenon of video games, and how they have revolutionized technology and forever changed popular culture.
"Amiga Forever" [2005 Video] 381 min | Documentary /tt0824282/
"High Score" [2006] 52 min | Documentary /tt0808299/
Although technology continues to evolve, a group of die-hard gamers refuses to abandon the classic arcade games of yesteryear.
"Gamer Revolution" TV movie [2007] 120 min | Documentary /tt0884789/
special documentary look at how pop culture's 'new dark continent', video games, are changing the world.
Directors: Marc de Guerre, Ian Hannah | Stars: Clive Thompson, Henry Jenkins, Robert Kozinets, Brenda Braithwaite
"The Video Game Years" [Retroware Games Feb 2012-Dec 2015]
 | 61 podcast episodes edited as 13 hour-long year-based YouTube videos; the YouTube series and the DVDs start in 1977, Amazon Instant Video runs 1980-89 • Co-produced by Lance Cortez, Joey DeSena, Ian Ferguson; co-produced, co-written & directed by Pat Contri & John Delia; co-produced & co-written by Lance Cortez; co-written by Joe Redifer & David White; featuring Pat Contri, John Delia, co-producer Ian Ferguson, co-producer Joey DeSena, Eric Lappe, co-producer Lance Cortez, Dan Eardley, writer Joe Redifer, writer David White, John Lester, Billy Chaser, Jay Hatfield, James Rolfe, Jared Knabenbauer, Terence Kelsey, Chris Kohler (Wired), Mike Falkingham, Arin Hanson, Keith Robinson (Intellivision), Justin Carmical, Clint Basinger, Shane Luis, Bob Mackey, composer Tommy Tallarico, Mike Matei, Norman Caruso, Darrell Hatfield, Joe Santulli (Digital Press), David Crane, Mark Bussler, Howard Scott Warshaw, Derek Alexander, James Ronald, Johnny Millenium, Greg M. Johnson, Greg Lesondak, Travis Baker, Brent Black, Jason Lindsey, Paul Quinn, Ben Hall, Kieran MacFarland, Kevin Willingham
series credits at IMDb • watch 9/2017 official trailer [2:37] online at YouTube Volume 1 1977-79: Retroware TV color DVD [5/2020] for $11.97 Volume 2 1980-82: Retroware TV color DVD [5/2020] for $19.97 Volume 1 1983-85: Retroware TV color DVD [5/2020] for $13.49 Volume 4 1986-87: Retroware TV color DVD [7/2021] for $13.99 Volume 5 1988-89: Retroware TV color DVD [9/2021] for $13.99 Amazon Instant Video, 1980-1989 [10/2015] - not available in USA YouTube playlist of all 13 compilations, 1977-1989 |
  | "Indie Game: The Movie" [BlinkWorks Media/GOG.com May 2012]
looks at the underdogs of the video game industry who sacrifice money, health & sanity to realize their dreams and share their creative visions with the world; film follows the creation of several games and captures the tension & drama of these developers' vulnerability & obsessive quest to express themselves; includes clips of Spy Hunter [1983], Tetris [1984], Super Mario Bros. [1985], The Legend of Zelda [1986], Metroid [1986], Bubble Bobble [1986], Castlevania [1986], Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! [1987], F-Zero [1990], Street Fighter II: The World Warrior [1991], Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time [2003], Braid [2008], Castle Crashers [2008], World of Goo [2008], Minecraft [2009], Osmos [2009], Halo 3: ODST [2009], Super Meat Boy [2010], Red Dead Redemption [2010], Limbo [2010], Call of Duty: Black Ops [2010], Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP [2011], Mass Effect 3 [2012], Fez [2012], Journey [2012], and Nidhogg [2014] • Produced, directed & filmed by Lisanne Pajot & James Swirsky; music by Jim Guthrie; featuring Jonathan Blow (Braid), Brandon Boyer, Renaud Bédard, Anthony Carboni, Ron Carmel, Chris Dahlen, Phil Fish (Fez), Gus Mastrapa, Danielle & Edmund McMillen (Super Meat Boy), Jamie & Kim & Tommy Refenes, co-producer Ken Schachter, Jamin Warren, Joe Drilling; winner Editing Award & nominee for Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival • full credits at IMDb • official movie site DVD/Blu-ray not available • Amazon Instant Video [2012] HD rental $3.99, HD purchase $5.99 Dark Flute MP-3 soundtrack album download [5/2012] 24 tracks for $6.99 listen to 1/2013 soundtrack recording [1:10:18] online at YouTube watch 5/2012 official trailer [2:28] online at YouTube "Indie Game: Life After" sequel compilation [BlinkWorks Media/Netflix Aug 2016] credits at IMDb • 2-hour compilation sequel produced, directed & filmed by Lisanne Pajot & James Swirsky Amazon Instant Video [8/2016] not available in USA |
"Wreck-It Ralph" [2012]
"How Video Games Changed The World" TV Movie [2013] 120 min | Documentary /tt3297108/
"The Video Craze" [2013] 90 min /tt2312464/
documentary on classic video arcade collectors across North America, "those who were the first to look into the neon haze
of a vector/raster screen and fall in love, the first quarter poppers, the 'vidiots' who never grew up"
"Gamer Age" [2014] 92 min | Documentary /tt2593562/
"Gaming In Color" [2014] 62 min | Documentary /tt3654026/
Diversity in video games is extraordinarily important - especially to the people who play them. Explore the story of the queer gaming
community, 'gaymer' culture and events, and the rise of LGBTQ themes in video games.
"The King of Arcades" [2014] 100 min | Documentary /tt2395228/
 | "Video Games: The Movie" [Mediajuice Studios July 2014] 100-minute history of video games docufilm co-produced, written, directed & filmed by Jeremy Snead; music by Craig Richey; narrated by Sean Astin; featuring Al Alcorn, Peter Armstrong, Cliff Bleszinski, co-producer Zach Braff, Jim Brown, Nolan Bushnell, Louis Castle, Wil Wheaton, Chloe Dykstra, Donald Faison, Brian Fargo, Ed Fries, Chris Hardwick, David Crane, Don James, Wyeth Johnson, Max Landis, Cricket/Crix Lee, Casey Lynch, Francis Mao, Peter Molyneux, Rob Pardo, co-producer David Perry, Randy Pitchford, Justin Richmond, Harvey Smith, Kudo Tsunoda, Tim Willits, Warren Davis, Robert Workman, Reggie Fils-Aime; with archive footage of Jimmy Fallon & Conan O'Brien • full credits at IMDb • official movie site LionsGate widescreen color DVD [2/2015] for $8.99 Amazon Instant Video [2014] HD rental $3.99, HD purchase $14.99 watch 6/2014 official trailer [1:43] online at YouTube - 'Press start this summer' watch full movie [1/2020 upload; 1:41:07] online at YouTube |
 | "Us & The Game Industry" documentary [Synergetic Film Nov 2014]
Filmed during 'builds' at thatgamecompany from 2009 to 2012; shooting occurred in San Francisco, Los Angeles & Davis in California, and in New York City, Austin, Texas and Copenhagen, Denmark; mostly follows creation of 'Journey' for the PS3, but also discusses games 'SpellTower', 'J.S. Joust', 'Mutazione', 'Antichamber', and 'The Castle Doctrine' • 90-minute docufilm co-produced & directed by Stephanie Beth; featuring computer game developers Jenova Chen, John Edwards, Robin Hunicke, Jason Rohrer, Douglas Wilson (Die Gute Fabrik), Alexander Bruce, and Zach Gage • bare credits at IMDb Synergetic Film color Blu-ray [12/2019] out of prodn/used Synergetic Film color DVD [10/2019] for $19.04 Amazon Instant Video [2014] HD rental $2.99, HD purchase $9.99 |
"Nintendo Quest" [2015] 91 min | Documentary /tt3063470/
An adventure-filled documentary on Nintendo that follows two gaming enthusiasts as they hit the open road in hopes of buying all
of the 678 official retail-licensed Nintendo games in 30 days with no online purchases.
"Man vs Snake: The Long and Twisted Tale of Nibbler" [2015] 92 min | Documentary /tt2933794/
If you ever played the game "Snake" on your early-model Nokia cellphone, then you're familiar with "Nibbler", the original 'snake' game.
"The Lost Arcade" [2015] 79 min | Documentary /tt3780754/
The story of Chinatown Fair, the legendary arcade located in the heart of New York City's Chinatown; film explores how the arcade
became a shelter to a community as diverse as the city surrounding it - and changed lives in doing so.
"Gameplay: The Story of The Videogame Revolution" [2015] 90 min | Documentary /tt4625320/
From "Pong" to "Pac Man" and "Super Mario" to "Lara Croft", "Doom", "Grand Theft Auto", and everything in between -
"A Gamer's Life" [2016] 85 min | Documentary /tt4231760/
"Game Changers" [Candy Factory Films April 2016]
 | Former child gameplay stars decide to make a comeback • 10 total producers are listed; co-produced, written & directed by Robert Imbs; starring Brian Bernys, Brian Bernys, Jacob/Jake Albarella, Andrea Andolina, Sara Marioles, Vincent O'Neill, Barry Williams, Dominic Luongo, Jacob Kahn, Matt Chavez, Patrick Allen, Joseph Giambra, co-producer Bob Imbs, Matthew Owen Kozak, Jake Kozecke, Paul Martin, Amelie McKendry, Koby Morgan, Daniel Morris, Will Mutka, Mark Nosowicz, Holly Quin Rounseville, Bryan Patrick Stoyle, David 'Walshy' Walsh •
full credits at IMDb • DVD/Blu-ray not available
Amazon Instant Video [4/2016] - offered free with Prime signup or rent/buy Amazon Instant Video [4/2016] - offered free with Prime signup or rent/buy watch official trailer [7/2017 upload; 1:52] online at YouTube |
"Surviving Indie" [2016] /tt5869644/
Several independent game creators retell their struggles, failures, and triumphs while discussing what it means to be an 'indie',
and what it means to be creative.
"Unlocked: The World of Games, Revealed" TV series[2016] /tt6021408/
groundbreaking 8-part documentary series that provides firsthand stories by industry icons, celebrities, consumers, and field experts
on the culture, technology, history, and future of the video game industry.
"8 Bit Legacy: The Curious History of Video Games" [2017] /tt8531024/
Emmy-nominated seven-part docuseries features the incredible and untold stories behind the most legendary video games; meet the people
who were on the front line and discover the unique moments that shaped the world of gaming.
"Ready Player One" [2018]
"How Making Indie Games Changed My Life" [March 2020]
Check out the official Game Dev Unlocked website, and sign up for the official newsletter to receive a 270 MB asset pack full of game dev goodies!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Rs1z7it5M 9.02 - with ads
"Mythic Quest" cable TV series [AppleTV+ 2020-2025]
 | 40-episode office comedy series about a bunch of misfit gamers as they launch of their latest game to the public • 33 total producers are listed; 16 total directors are listed; 25 total writers are listed; narrated by Anthony Hopkins; featuring Chet Grissom {as Isaac Asimov}, Nicole Ghastin {as Ursula K. Le Guin}, Kent Hagen {as Ray Bradbury}; starring Rob Mac, Charlotte Nicdao, Ashly Burch, Jessie Ennis, Imani Hakim, David Hornsby, Danny Pudi, Naomi Ekperigin, F. Murray Abraham, Caitlin McGee, Andrew Friedman, Michael Naughton, Elisha Henig, Derek Waters, Mort Burke, Craig Mazin, Chase Yi, Aparna Nancherla, Humphrey Ker, Alanna Ubach, John DiMaggio, Austin Zajur, Karolina Szymczak, Ben Stillwell, Chris Naoki Lee, Nandini Bapat, Lionesse, Zhandra Reyes, Jonathan Wiggs, William Hurt, Shelley Hennig, Joe Manganiello, Amy Kim Waschke, Parvesh Cheena, Justin Dray, James Coker, Samuel Gilkison, Javier Scott, Antoine Perry, Stephenson Crossley, Josh Brener, Jacob Mullen
series credits at IMDb • series entry at Wikipedia watch 1/2020 official trailer [1:59] online at YouTube Season 1, 11 episodes: Amazon Instant Video [2020-2021] - offered FREE with signup to AppleTV+ Season 2, 9 episodes: Amazon Instant Video [2021] - offered FREE with signup to AppleTV+ Season 3, 10 episodes: Amazon Instant Video [2022-2023] - offered FREE with signup to AppleTV+ Season 4, 10 episodes: Amazon Instant Video [2025] - offered FREE with signup to AppleTV+ |
spinoff "Side Quest" mini-series [AppleTV+ March 2025]
 | 4-episode expansion of "Mythic Quest" [2021-2025]; mockumentary in an anthology format; each episode explores the lives of employees, players, and fans of the video game "Mythic Quest" • 20 total producers are listed; 6 total writers are listed; starring Shalita Grant, Derek Waters, Van Crosby, Annamarie Kasper, Esai Morales, Anna Konkle, Rome Flynn, Melanie Brook, Rob Mac, William Stanford Davis, Asjha Cooper, Alice Wen, Bria Samoné Henderson, David Andrew Calvillo, Abe Kim, Rahvaunia, Ramon Reed, Andrew Patrick Ralston, Justin Jarzombek, Trisha Simmons, Dash McCloud, Michael C. Mahon, Leonard Robinson, Danielle Motley, Gary Kraus, Matt Rasku, Emilene Bell, Jen Kuhn, Kalena Ranoa, Anthony Carr Jr., Cameron Stone, Ryan McAllister, Henry Witcher, Cinai Leonard, A.J. LoCascio, Odain Watson
series credits at IMDb • series entry at Wikipedia • DVD/Blu-ray not yet available watch 2/2025 official trailer [1:08] online at YouTube all 4 episodes: Amazon Instant Video [3/2025] - offered FREE with signup to AppleTV+ |
"Free Guy" [2021]
 | "Break The Game" docufilm [festival circuit 2023] After coming out as transsexual, world-record-holding speedrunner Narcissa Wright lost her massive fanbase; to win them back, she set out to break a new record in "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild" and live-stream every minute of her quest • Co-produced, written & directed by Jane M. Wagner; starring Narcissa Wright; film won Special Jury Mention at the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC credits at IMDb • film not yet released, DVD/Blu-ray not yet available |
"Spy Kids: Armageddon" [Netflix 9-2023]
a game developer unleashes a computer virus that threatens the world
 | "Game Changers" [Discovery Channel Nov-Dec 2024] 8-episode documentary series telling the stories behind all your favorite games; revealing interviews uncover the backstories behind creation of wildly popular video games, from brilliant inspirations to controversial deals; topics looked at include: "Monopoly", "Scrabble", and "Operation"; Atari; Nintendo; Sega; mega-hit "Call of Duty"; "World of Warcraft"; and "Minecraft" • 13 total producers are listed • incomplete credits at IMDb Amazon Instant Video [12/2024] - offered free with signup to Discovery+ or HBOmax watch official trailer [] online at YouTube |
popular theatrical movies/series & TV/cable series based on video games include
"Fallout",
"Mario Brothers", "Minecraft", "Pokémon"
A Few Important People
 | "Halcyon Days: Interviews With Classic Computer and Video Game Programmers" [1997 classic] by James Hague First offered as HTML on diskette for $20 in 1997; posted online for FREE download in 2002; reformatted 'modern version' available online in November 2018 |
Patrick 'Pat' Contri
http://the-punk-effect.myshopify.com/
"Pat The NES Punk" TV series [2008-present?] - last episode listed on IMDb was 10/2021
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3499670/
"Pat The NES Punk" YouTube Channel [est. 6/2008]
"The Video Game Years" [Retroware Games 2012-2015]
Pat was co-director and co-host on this TV show and the DVDs compiled from it - see links just above
John Carmack and (Alphonso) John Romero
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Carmack
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Romero
creators of industry-expanding "Doom" [1993], "Hexen" [1995], "Quake" [1996], and their many sequels
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doom_(1993_video_game)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexen:_Beyond_Heretic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quake_(video_game)
 | "Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created An Empire and Transformed Pop Culture" [2003] by David Kushner A story of friendship and betrayal, commerce and artistry - a powerful and compassionate account of what it’s like to be young, driven, and wildly creative Kindle Edition from Random House [2003 edition] for $14.99 Random House Trade 8x5¼ pb [5/2004] for $13.83 Random House 9½x6½ hardcover [5/2003] out of print/used |
c o m p a n i e s
this page kept growing, so the Companies Section was split to its own page in August 2025.
Apple Arcade Ä Atari Ä Capcom (Kapukon) Ä Commodore Ä Epic Games (Fortnite) Ä Gamestop Ä Microsoft / Xbox Ä Nintendo Ä Sega
here on the Nostalgic Video Games Pages at Spirit of America Bookstore
top of page 1 Ä short history Ä links Ä general books Ä movies & videos Ä a few important people Ä image gallery
top of page 2 Ä topical timeline Ä selected video games Ä selected hardware Ä other media
Spirit of America Bookstore's "Fallout" Video Game Series Page
Spirit of America Bookstore's "Minecraft" Video Game Series Page
Spirit of America Bookstore's Monopoly™ Game Page
back on the Nostalgic Toys, Dolls, and Games Page at Spirit of America Bookstore
top of page • links • Toys Dept. • Dolls Dept. • Games & Puzzles Dept. • works about toys & games • movies & TV, other media • image gallery
Spirit of America Bookstore's Scale Model & Toy Trains Page
Spirit of America Bookstore's Monopoly™ Game Page
Spirit of America Bookstore's "Thomas the Tank Engine" Books & Toys & TV Pages
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