Egenfeldt-Nielson S., Smith J.H., Tosca, S.P. Understanding Video Games: The Essential Introduction

Routledge, New Ed edition, 2008. 304 p.From Pong to PlayStation 3 and beyond, Understanding Video Games is the first general introduction to the exciting new field of video game studies. This textbook traces the history of video games, introduces the major theories used to analyze games such as ludology and narratology, reviews the economics of the game industry, examines the aesthetics of game design, surveys the broad range of game genres, explores player culture, and addresses the major debates surrounding the medium, from educational benefits to the effects of violence.Throughout the book, the authors ask readers to consider larger questions about the medium:what defines a video game?
who plays games?
why do we play games?
how do games affect the player?