About book Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter (2010)
I listened to this on audiobook while working, and I really liked it. It was a very interesting look at video games and their history, and the author is a pretty great writer. He's poetic in the way you expect of a book of essays about "serious" subjects, and conveys his love for his material with humor but also sincerity. I'm not sure this book would be picked up by people who don't already love games, but I'd recommend it if you even just want to learn more about what makes people so obsessed. I still don't really have an idea where Tom Bissell sits on the importance of videogames. At times he draws grand parallels to more important themes in hopes they will also apply to games by association (sometimes they work, sometimes not), but at other times he seems content at taking juvenile stabs at and playing up the tired stereotypes of the industry and gamers. He often comes off as condescending and he employs a rather sensational view of most of the situations he finds himself in.The book is at its best when its letting the industry's brightest minds speak for themselves, rather than meandering through Bissell's conflicted thoughts on the subject. Highlights were the Jonathan Blow and Peter Molyneux interviews.
Do You like book Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter (2010)?
parts of this very much dragged on. especially if you never played the game he was talking about.
—catchingfire
I devoured this book. Thoughtful writing on a subject near and dear to me.
—fuoad
Great if you love video games. Blah if you have no interest.
—Danna
