- Paperback: 272 pages
- Publisher: Virgin Books (14 Jan 2010)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0753519852
- ISBN-13: 978-0753519851
- Product Dimensions: 15.2 x 1.9 x 23.5 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
255,491 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #39 in Books > Business, Finance & Law > Reference & Education > International
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Product Description
Review
'Tom Chatfield's Fun Inc. is the most elegant and comprehensive defence of the status of computer games in our culture I have read ... The sheer pervasiveness of game experience - 99 per cent of teenage boys and 94 per cent of teenage girls having played a video game - means that instant naffness falls upon those who express a musty disdain for the medium. In fact, as Fun Inc. elegantly explains, computer game-playing has a very strong claim to be one of the most vital test-beds for intellectual enquiry.'
--Independent
'A lively, thought-provoking and thoughtful read on an entertainment juggernaut many of us have failed to properly recognise. A good book, too, for parents, who might feel far more comfortably informed about a sector that can come across as - literally - an alien world their kids inhabit.' --The Irish Times
'A detailed and engaging analysis on an increasingly influential medium. Even non-gamers may find themselves seduced.'
--Esquire
'A thought-provoking read for those already won over to the delights of computer games, and an even more important introduction to them for those who remain sceptical' --Observer
'Sparklingly intelligent and nuanced ... Fun Inc. is fresh and engaging' --Guardian
'In exploring the potential of the medium, Chatfield covers much territory, briskly and with intent ... His conclusion on what the future could hold is in equal parts daunting and lip-smacking. It should be read by gamers and non-gamers alike'
--Time Out
--Independent
'A lively, thought-provoking and thoughtful read on an entertainment juggernaut many of us have failed to properly recognise. A good book, too, for parents, who might feel far more comfortably informed about a sector that can come across as - literally - an alien world their kids inhabit.' --The Irish Times
'A detailed and engaging analysis on an increasingly influential medium. Even non-gamers may find themselves seduced.'
--Esquire
'A thought-provoking read for those already won over to the delights of computer games, and an even more important introduction to them for those who remain sceptical' --Observer
'Sparklingly intelligent and nuanced ... Fun Inc. is fresh and engaging' --Guardian
'In exploring the potential of the medium, Chatfield covers much territory, briskly and with intent ... His conclusion on what the future could hold is in equal parts daunting and lip-smacking. It should be read by gamers and non-gamers alike'
--Time Out
Book Description
Economically, culturally, societally and even technologically video gaming is altering the world around us. Fun Inc. sets out a debate that’s as fascinating as it is controversial.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Having used games for decades in teaching sciences and computer science - much of it for fun and to learn what pupils were learning and to learn from pupils - I thought I knew most of it until this book arrived. How wrong can you be. Small wonder the biggest growth industry and potentially the world's greatest earner and influencer is taking off so fast: it offers comfort zones designed by the inhabitant, an extension of childhood's learning places and playmates for life, eternal intellectual adventures that mature with the player, and a sandbox for career training at all levels with only you and your chosen team mates for adjudicator. This I learned from Fun inc. Go read it, you know you need another life or six.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Finally - a book that challenges the conventional "wisdom" on games in society. A lot is said by the media about games and this book takes most of those arguments apart. A mix of logical argument and first hand interviews with the industry stars.
The book is well written - as one would expect from a magazine editor. The author's credentials are unrivalled - Grex AND Red Glasses! Most people would be delighted to just work for one.
Simply put, if you are interested in the gaming industry read this. If you think that computer games are evil, then you should read this. And change your mind.
The book is well written - as one would expect from a magazine editor. The author's credentials are unrivalled - Grex AND Red Glasses! Most people would be delighted to just work for one.
Simply put, if you are interested in the gaming industry read this. If you think that computer games are evil, then you should read this. And change your mind.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a book to enlighten any parent who is interested in and slightly worried about video games. It's easy to read, informative, reassuring and leaves you feeling you now can make a wise decision on your children's game use. Even my 15 year old was impressed with my new knowledge. A must read, really!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Good look at a busy industry
The text gives a good overview of the industry and how it is intersecting and maybe overtaking the movie industry. Read more
Published 13 months ago by L. Eddowes
Essential reading
I'm a gamer, and for me this is the best guide I've yet read to this amazing industry. If you want to have an intelligent conversation about the world's fastest-growing medium, or... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Sangla
Fun inc
As someone who is guilty of accepting stereotypes of video games and gamesplayers, this book was a real eye-opener. Read more
Published on 1 May 2010 by DDH255
Every home should have one
This is a great book for anyone who knows nothing about videogames and everyone who knows loads. In a lucid, easy to read style it explains this huge modern phenomenon - now... Read more
Published on 10 Jan 2010 by Mrs. Barbara Riddell
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