Collecting bugs, drawing cartoons, writing plays, studying robotics—these are just some of the hobbies that inspired the creation of video games such as Pokémon and The Legend of Zelda. Who are these men and women who helped launch the gaming industry from private computer labs to widely available popular entertainment? Read this book to find out who and what inspired your favorite video games!

Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and sentence highlighting for an engaging read aloud experience! Collecting bugs, drawing cartoons, writing plays, studying robotics—these are just some of the hobbies that inspired the creation of video games such as Pokémon and The Legend of Zelda. Who are these men and women who helped launch the gaming industry from private computer labs to widely available popular entertainment? Read this book to find out who and what inspired your favorite video games!

Video games take players on a trip through ancient battlefields, to mythic worlds, and across galaxies. They provide players with a way to try on new identities and acquire vast superpowers. Video games also give people the chance to hit reset – to play again and again until they achieve a desired outcome. Their popularity has enabled them to grow far beyond their humble origins and to permeate other forms of popular culture, from comic books and graphic novels to films and television programs. Video games are universal. In 100 Greatest Video Game Franchises, editors Robert Mejia, Jaime Banks, and Aubrie Adams have assembled essays that identify, assess, and reveal the most important video games of all-time. Each entry makes a case for the game’s cultural significance and why it deserves to be on the list, from its influence on other games to its impact on an international scale. In addition to providing information about the game developer and when the franchise was established, these entries explore the connections between the different video games, examining them across genre, theme, and content. This accessible collection of essays gives readers an opportunity to gauge their favorite video game franchises against the best of all time and argue how they each fit among the 100 greatest ever created. Whether casually looking up information on these games or eager to learn how franchises evolved over the years, readers will enjoy this entertaining and informative volume. Comprehensive and engaging, 100 Greatest Video Game Franchises will appeal to fans and scholars alike.

""Pac-Man History"" explores the remarkable journey of one of gaming's most iconic characters, tracing its evolution from a simple maze-chasing game to a global cultural phenomenon. This engaging book delves into the creation, impact, and enduring legacy of Pac-Man, offering readers a comprehensive look at how this yellow, pellet-munching hero revolutionized the video game industry and popular culture. The book chronicles Pac-Man's development by Toru Iwatani at Namco, its meteoric rise to fame, and its lasting influence on gaming and beyond. It argues that Pac-Man represented a pivotal shift in game design, appealing to a broader audience and paving the way for more inclusive gaming experiences. By examining the technological limitations of the early 1980s and the prevailing game design philosophies, readers gain insight into the context that made Pac-Man's success so groundbreaking. Through a blend of technical details, cultural analysis, and personal anecdotes, ""Pac-Man History"" offers a unique perspective on how a single game can have far-reaching effects. The book's accessible style and interdisciplinary approach make it valuable for game enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and culture.

Hacker culture can be esoteric, but this entertaining reference is here to help. Written by longtime cybersecurity researcher and writer Kim Crawley, this fun reference introduces you to key people and companies, fundamental ideas, and milestone films, games, and magazines in the annals of hacking. From airgapping to phreaking to zombie malware, grasping the terminology is crucial to understanding hacker culture and history. If you're just getting started on your hacker journey, you'll find plenty here to guide your learning and help you understand the references and cultural allusions you come across. More experienced hackers will find historical depth, wry humor, and surprising facts about familiar cultural touchstones. Understand the relationship between hacker culture and cybersecurity Get to know the ideas behind the hacker ethos, like "knowledge should be free" Explore topics and publications central to hacker culture, including 2600 Magazine Appreciate the history of cybersecurity Learn about key figures in the history of hacker culture Understand the difference between hackers and cybercriminals