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Item #:
838208
Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter
Item #:
838208
SAR 79
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Extra Lives is a milestone work about what might be the dominant popular art form of our time.
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What Stands Out
In-depth Analysis
Explores the cultural significance of video games, offering insights into their impact on society and individual lives, appealing to gamers and researchers alike.
Diverse Perspectives
Includes contributions from various voices in the gaming community, enriching the narrative with unique viewpoints and enhancing understanding of the medium's complexity.
Engaging Narrative
Written in an accessible style, making it enjoyable for both casual readers and serious scholars, bridging the gap between entertainment and academia.
Product Details
- In Extra Lives, acclaimed writer and life-long video game enthusiast Tom Bissell takes the reader on an insightful and entertaining tour of the art and meaning of video games. In just a few decades, video games have grown increasingly complex and sophisticated, and the companies that produce them are now among the most profitable in the entertainment industry. Yet few outside this world have thought deeply about how these games work, why they are so appealing, and what they are capable of artistically. Blending memoir, criticism, and first-rate reportage, Extra Lives is a milestone work about what might be the dominant popular art form of our time.
| Publisher | Vintage |
| Publication date | June 14, 2011 |
| Edition | Reprint |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 256 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0307474313 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0307474315 |
| Item Weight | 8.8 ounces (249.48 grams) |
| Dimensions | 5.23 x 0.7 x 7.95 inches (13.3 x 1.8 x 20.2 cm) |
Who Should Buy?
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Game Enthusiasts
Players passionate about video games will appreciate insights on their cultural significance and societal impact.
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Students of Media
Scholars studying media or communication will find valuable perspectives on video games as an influential medium.
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Parents and Educators
Those interested in understanding video games' influence can better discuss their effects on youth and education.
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Casual Readers
Individuals seeking straightforward entertainment may find the academic tone of the book less engaging.
Product Description
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Customer Questions & Answers
-
Question:
What is the main focus of Extra Lives?
Answer: The book focuses on the art and meaning of video games and their impact on culture. -
Question:
Who is the author of Extra Lives?
Answer: The author is Tom Bissell, an acclaimed writer and video game enthusiast. -
Question:
What type of writing style does the book use?
Answer: The book blends memoir, criticism, and first-rate reportage to convey its message.
Popular Culture Editorial Review
**** "Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter" by Tom Bissell offers a deeply personal and insightful exploration of the video game medium, skillfully blending memoir, analysis, and criticism. The book defies expectations, presenting a collection of thoughtfully interconnected essays rather than a simple opinion piece. Bissell's writing resonates with both seasoned gamers and newcomers, inviting readers to examine their relationship with gaming and its implications on adult life. What sets the book apart is Bissell's mastery of language and his ability to articulate complex ideas in an engaging manner. While some readers might find his extensive vocabulary occasionally challenging, most agree it adds depth to the narrative and can lead to personal growth in the form of new vocabulary. Bissell isn't just critical; he delves into the nostalgia and emotional weight that video games carry for many adults today, addressing questions like why we continue to embrace our childhood pastime as we grow older. His reflections include not only his personal gaming experiences but also observations about the industry and interviews with some of its most influential creators. Readers appreciate Bissell's relatable humor, particularly his candid anecdotes about gaming frustrations that many adult players have faced. The mixture of levity and introspection leaves a lasting impact, encouraging a more profound appreciation for video games as a form of art. However, some critique Bissell's focus on mainstream titles while yearning for a broader acknowledgment of the indie scene, reflecting a missed opportunity to explore alternative stories in gaming. Notably, the book concludes without providing definitive answers to its central questions, which some may find unsatisfying, but others view as a refreshing honesty. Overall, "Extra Lives" is highly regarded as both a celebration and a critique of video gaming culture, stimulating reflection on an art form that has become deeply ingrained in contemporary life. **
Customer Reviews & Ratings
239 customers ratings
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Pros
- Deeply personal and entertaining writing style.
- Engages readers with a combination of memoir and critical analysis.
- Skillful use of language that enriches the narrative.
- Addresses complex questions about adult gaming in a relatable manner.
- Humorously captures the frustrations of gaming experiences.
- Stimulates thoughtful discussion about video games as an art form.
Cons
- Some readers may find the extensive vocabulary challenging.
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Features & Benefits
- Explores the art and meaning of video games.
- Written by acclaimed author and video game enthusiast Tom Bissell.
- Blends memoir, criticism, and reportage.
- Highlights the complexity and sophistication of modern video games.
- Discusses the profitability of the gaming industry.
- Provokes thought about the appeal and artistic capabilities of video games.
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