Replay

The History of Video Games

By: Tristan Donovan, Richard Garriott

Narrated by: Gary Furlong

A riveting account of the birth and remarkable evolution of the most important development in entertainment since television, Replay is the ultimate history of video games. From its origins in the research labs of the 1940s to the groundbreaking success of the Wii, Replay sheds new light on gaming's past. Along the way it takes in the spectacular rise and fall of Atari, the crazed cottage industry spawned by the computers of Sir Clive Sinclair, Japan's rapid ascent to the top of the gaming tree, and the seismic impact of Doom. Replay tells the sensational story of how the creative vision of game designers across the globe gave rise to one of the world's most popular and dynamic art forms. Based on extensive research and more than 140 interviews, Replay includes insights from video game legends such as Atari founder Nolan Bushnell, Will Wright - the creator of The Sims , Doom designer John Romero, and Hironobu Sakaguchi of Final Fantasy fame. Replay also includes a foreword by Richard Garriott (AKA Lord British).

©2010 Tristan Donovan (P)2017 Tantor

Perfect!

Loved it! was able to relive many memories just by listening to the words and the brief but detailed account of so many good (and not so good) games

Wonderful Exploration Through The World Of Gaming

I was hesitant at first but grew to love this book. Absolutely chocked full of information and so many stories. The way it all ties itself together and the way they weave one developers story into anothers is just awesome. If you have any interest in the history of video games, I highly recommend this.

Fantastic, Captivating, and Inspiring

I absolutely loved listening to this. I was a bit saddened when it ended because I just wanted to keep listening. The level of detail is wonderful, and the unbiased storytelling made it very accessible.

Good overall. But recent history felt skimmed over.

I think this was overall an interesting listen. The book spent a little too much time delving into the details of the pre video game era and spent very little time talking about the more recent breakthroughs and turning points. For instance the indie game movement and the technologies that democratised game development was barely touched if at all.

A great insight to video game history

I love video game history and have learned a lot about how it started, the companies and hardware. This book was a different insight to the history; a lot of it I never knew. It talked more about the artistic side of gaming, the game developers and what inspired them. I also found it inspirational and has encouraged me to start making games again.

Most comprehensive video game history.

This book gives the most detailed and well-rounded video game history I've been able to read. And I have been reading that subject since the 80s. I truly did not want it to end.

Goes beyond your expectations in a good way

good narrator
good content
great job of building the history

only negative is that it can jump around a bit chronologically speaking, but does so to separate subjects

Awesome retro nostalgia

Another audio book that I’ve re-listened to several times during the past year.
Good narration by Gary Furlong, adds an international vibe that conveys the scope of influences.
Great history lesson, finally understood where all that stuff came from when I was a kid!

Never A Video Junkie

If you could sum up Replay in three words, what would they be?

Fun. Intriguing. Historical.

What did you like best about this story?

Replay was a fascinating look into the computer game world that I missed out on. I wish I would have made time to play more video games. But, this book showed me the creative construction of "ready player one" like worlds. I am thankful that Tristan Donovan took his time to research this world so thoroughly and engaging.

What about Gary Furlong’s performance did you like?

Gary Furlong read the book with a voice that did not interfere with the history being laid out. Yet, interesting enough to keep you listening.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The book overall was interesting as a side view on the setting that I grew up in. There were memories that came back to me as I listened. I also felt led by the narrative in a way that I could expect what was coming next. This was mostly the authors abilty to lay out the history.

Must read for computer and games enthusiasts

Unless you know your history you are doomed to repeat it. this has to be the most comprehensive look at the history of gaming. i learned so much and understand way more about the technology and creative elements even down to a better understanding of moments in "ready player one". give the book to your favorite gamer or computer nerd and tell them its a mandatory break, go outside smell nature and listen to this book.