Books like Game Wizards by Jon Peterson

Jane McGonigal explains how computer games can be used to solve real‑world problems and improve global well‑being, drawing on her research that gamers are skillful problem solvers and collaborators.

A behind‑the‑scenes look at how blockbuster titles like Uncharted 4, Halo Wars, and Destiny are crafted, exploring the hurdles and demands that shape their design.

Nita and Kit enter a galaxy‑wide wizard competition, testing their powers and growing as young wizards.

A fascinating and personal look at Dungeons & Dragons that “tracks D&D’s turbulent rice, fall, and survival, from its heyday in the 1980s…to the twenty-first century” (The Wall Street Journal). Even if you’ve never played Dungeons & Dragons, you probably know someone who has: the game has had a profound influence on our culture, and 2014 marks the intriguing role-playing phenomenon’s 40th anniversary. Released decades before the Internet and social media, Dungeons & Dragons inspired one of the original nerd subcultures and is still revered by more than 30 million fans. Now, the authoritative history and magic of the game are revealed by an award-winning journalist and lifelong D&D player. In *Of Dice and Men*, David Ewalt describes the development of Dungeons & Dragons from the game’s origins on the battlefields of ancient Europe through the hysteria that linked it to satanic rituals and teen suicides to its apotheosis as father of the modern video-game industry. As he chronicles the surprising history of the game’s origins (a history largely unknown even to hardcore players) and examines D&D’s lasting impact, Ewalt weaves laser-sharp subculture analysis with his own present-day gaming experiences, “writing about the world of fantasy role-playing junkies with intelligence, dexterity, and even wisdom” (Ken Jennings). An enticing blend of history, journalism, narrative, and memoir, *Of Dice and Men* sheds light on America’s most popular (and widely misunderstood) form of collaborative entertainment.

This book is a history of the Video Game Industry, from types of electronic entertainment that were available before video games, to the improvements up until the year 2001. It begins with a look at the origins of Pinball, and other novelty games, then on to games that were played on giant computers, and then finally to the invention of the Video game, and the growth of the industry. Each section has many quotes from people involved with the creation, design, or field of video games. At the center of the book is a 18 pages of of black and white photos of the various people and events mentioned. It also details the video game influences of video games into the cultures of the world, from movies to cereal boxes and toys. This book was originally released in the year 2000 under the title "The First Quarter: A 25-Year History of Video Games," without Chapter 30, the 'Time Line', and the "Index". Two editions almost identical, except the name of the publisher are known to exist. In these the publisher, on the Title-Copyright page, the spine and reverse cover of the book, have different names while the rest of the book is identical, including the same ISBN.

Eighth‑grader Mercer tries to boost his school’s fundraiser by hosting a fantasy‑role‑playing convention, but his enthusiasm brings four reality‑bound wizards who need his help returning to their world.

*Heroic Worlds* is the essential reference for the player and collector, both novice and experienced, of role-playing games.

"This book presents the most current research in fantasy games and examines the cultural and constructionist dimensions of fantasy gaming as a leisure activity. Each chapter investigates some social or behavioral aspect of fantasy gaming and provides insight into the cultural, linguistic, sociological, and psychological impact of games on both the individual and society"--Provided by publisher.