“Both literature and video games can provide a fascinating story and challenge the imagination and creative thinking.”
Reading can intervene in video games in several ways: many video games have complex narrative elements and captivating stories, and reading is necessary for their conception and to understand these stories; sometimes reading can be essential to solve puzzles or to decipher clues and messages in the game.
"Ready Player One"
It is a book written by Ernest Cline and it is a real adventure in the world of video games. The story takes place in a dystopian future where humanity escapes into a virtual reality called OPASIS. The protagonist, Wade Watts, embarks on an epic quest to find an Easter Egg hidden in the OASIS by its creator, James Halliday. This quest becomes a global competition, in which players fight for control of the OASIS and Halliday’s fortune. The book is full of references to the 1980s and classic video games. For example, you will meet characters and elements from games such as “Pac-Man”, “Donkey Kong”, “Dungeons&Dragons” and many others. Also, the novel alludes to classic films such as “Back to the Future”, “WarGames” and “Blade Runner”. It is a real treasure for fans of 1980s culture, but also a thrilling book suitable for anyone who loves video games and suspenseful adventures.
"Reamde"
It is a book written by Neal Stephenson. It is an action-packed thriller that takes place in the world of video games and hackers. The story follows the adventures of a group of online players who find themselves involved in a global conspiracy. They get involved in a game called T’Rain, which becomes the scene of a general conflict between hackers. As the game expands into the real world, the characters face dangers and adventures across the globe, from China to North America to Africa. The main character is Richard, a video game tycoon and the founder of the game company “Corporation 9592”. He must use his skills and resources to protect his family and resolve the tense situation in which he finds himself. The book explores topics such as IT security, cyber terrorism and the fight for survival. It is a thrilling and suspenseful read for fans of video games and technological thrillers.
"Erebos"
A novel written by Ursula Poznanski, about a mysterious game that controls the lives of its players in the real world. Erebos is the dark creature that wants to rule the world of players.
"In Real Life"
A graphic story written by Cory Doctorow and Jen Wang, about a girl who discovers the world of online games and confronts the economic and social problems of the game.
"Armada"
Another adventure written by the author of “Ready Player One”, which follows the story of a teenager passionate about video games who discovers that his games could be more than meets the eye.
"For the Win"
A book written by Cory Doctorow about video games and the fight of the workers in the video game industry for their rights.
"The Eye of Minds"
It is the first volume of the “The Mortality Doctrine” series, written by James Dasher. The book presents a story full of suspense in a dangerous virtual world.
"Replay"
A novel written by Ken Grimwood, which although not exclusively focused on video games, explores the idea of improving the life we live.
We hope that these recommendations will spark your interest in literature!