Press Start: The History of Video Gaming

A visually stunning, up-to-date book that chronicles the history of video games from their earliest roots in 1958 to the present day, showcasing the unforgettable artwork, stories, and characters that have defined it.

FULLY ILLUSTRATED AND UPDATED - THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VIDEO GAMING HISTORY, FROM MARIO TO MINECRAFT.

Pac-Man, Mario, Tomb Raider, The Sims, GTA, Minecraft, Fortnite... Video games are now one of the pillars of popular culture. This comprehensive, visually rich book chronicles the history of video games from their earliest roots in 1958 up to the present day, from simple pixels to the stunningly realistic visuals of modern blockbusters.

Explore the evolution of the industry through the iconic artworks, stories, and characters that have defined gaming across generations. Rediscover the classics titles from Nintendo Switch’s Animal Crossing and Zelda: Breath of the Wild, to Elden Ring and God of War on the Sony PlayStation 5, as well as a multitude of independent gems and record-breaking franchises.

This newly updated edition highlights the standout games and key milestones over more than 50 years, diving into the creative and technological lore that have made video games what they are today. Filled with nostalgia, insights, and rich artwork, this book is a must-have for any video game fan, offering a captivating journey through the vibrant history of gaming and the titles that have captivated millions worldwide.

Journalist Erwan Cario has been writing about video games since 2001 for the newspaper Libération. He is also responsible for Ecrans.fr, a subsidiary site of Liberation.fr dedicated to digital culture, and hosts the weekly online podcast ＂Silence, on joue!＂ which covers video game news. He is the author of L’Année du jeu vidéo 2004, published by Calmann-Lévy.