The end of one year and the beginning of another is my favorite time to catch up on the stack of books on my nightstand. In late December, the nights are dark, the cocoa is hot, and the blankets are cozy, making it oh-so easy to sink into the pages of a coffee table book full of comforting pixel art. Come January, I have that annual urge for self-improvement that motivates me to learn something new, like the largely forgotten history of long-dead gaming companies.
Maybe, if you’re like me, you’ve started scouring the stacks at your local library or browsing the online bookstore of your choice. But what to choose? Throughout 2024, I’ve devoured a plethora of gaming books. I’ve narrowed the collection down to six that should appeal to every reader, whether you prefer game books brimming with art and design or packed with academic research and theory.