Explore the History of Games

Have you been inspired to learn more about the history of games after reading the 2024 One Book, One Chicago selection, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow? Dig into these nonfiction titles and explore more about gaming's origins and influence across time.

Tech journalist Jordan Minor breaks down over four decades of video games, game by game, in Video Game of the Year. Examining popular titles year by year from 1977 through 2022 will bring you nostalgia, laughs, and thought-provoking reflection on what games mean to us and their influence.

Game designer Dustin Hansen examines the relationship between video games and storytelling in his teen graphic book, The Greatest Stories Ever Played. Bringing his twenty years of experience in the game design industry, his book will make you think about what stories your favorite games tell, and how. 

Going back before the dawn of the video game era, Oliver Roeder takes a look at seven popular ancient and modern games - checkers, backgammon, chess, go, poker, Scrabble, and bridge - in Seven Games. Why are these games so popular, and why do we feel drawn to keeping playing them - some, for generations?

Neuroscientist and physicist Kelly Clancy explores the psychological aspects of games and how they are key to human nature in Playing With Reality. How have games influenced real world, and how does the real world influence our design of games?

What's your favorite game? Let us know in the comments