First Look: ‘Video Game of the Year’ Paints a Vibrant Picture of Gaming History

Video games aren’t just fun in the moment; they also have fascinating histories. Many smart people have written many smart things about video game history, from Jamie Lendino’s retro gaming books to Anthony Frasier’s audiobook on Jerry Lawson’s pioneering achievements. I’ve also written a lot about video games, and you can read many of those thoughts here at PCMag.

However, I’ve always wanted to offer my complete, definitive analysis of video games as a whole. That’s why I’m excited to introduce my first book, Video Game of the Year: A Year-by-Year Guide to the Best, Boldest, and Most Bizarre Games from Every Year Since 1977, coming July 11 from Abrams Books.

In each chapter, I write a critical essay arguing why a certain game is the most significant of that year, including the likes of Animal Crossing, Metal Gear Solid, and Pong. Maybe it’s the best game, maybe it’s the most influential game, or maybe it’s the game that best reflected the current trends. Collectively, these individual chapters explain gaming history for experts and novices alike.

Each chapter includes an alternate choice, too. The book has more than 75 guest essays written by some of the most exciting writers and personalities in the video game industry, including familiar faces from IGN, Mashable, and PCMag. Giant Bomb’s Dan Ryckert wrote the foreword. Here's the full contributor list:

Although I’m incredibly proud of the text, what really elevates Video Game of the Year to the next level is the absolutely stunning, full-page full-color artwork from Wren McDonald that accompanies each chapter. I’m so excited to reveal some of those pages exclusively on PCMag. Take a look!

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1984: Tetris - The Communist Game of the Year

1993: NBA Jam - The Slam Dunk of the Year

2002: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - The Crime of the Century

2004: World of Warcraft - The Matrix of the Year

2005: Resident Evil 4 - The New Nightmare of the Year

I can’t wait for you all to get your hands on this book. It’s something really special.

Video Game of the Year: A Year-by-Year Guide to the Best, Boldest, and Most Bizarre Games from Every Year Since 1977 releases on July 11 and is available for pre-order now.