Transmissions from Imaginary Places

What does it mean to grow up with videogames? Even though videogames and computer games play a large role in the daily lives of millions of people, little has been written about the impact this activity has had in shaping the lives of those who play them. In Transmissions from Imaginary Places, 20 people close to the gaming world offer entertaining and thought-provoking essays and anecdotes on games and gamers, and how this often-obsessive activity has changed the world. Among the essays are: ""Charting the Obsessives"" -- author Tim Stone seeks to learn why a gamer's greatest pleasure is flying across the Atlantic, in real time, in a simulated Boeing. ""Violence"" -- Veteran developer Randy Smith ponders gamers' obsession with violence. Why are we hooked on blood & guts? ""Manic Modder"" -- Simon Carless, from Game Developer magazine, profiles an extreme hobbyist whose schedule of modding old games has him busy until 2010. ""Tricky Business"" -- Music writer and columnist Miss AMP investigates why certain games, including extreme sports games, appeal mostly to women. ""Possessing Barbie"" where a writer struggles with questions about virtual sex and real life infidelity. This beautifully illustrated book also includes an inspiring introduction from Jim Rossignol and Kieron Gillen, the book's editors. At last, Transmissions from Imaginary Places: Writings on Computer & Video Games gives a face to gamers and the world of gaming.