Indie games book

auriond · Mon 28/03/2011 08:15:29

(I lurk infrequently these days, so forgive me if this has been posted before)

Mike Rose (one of the editors of Indiegames.com) has a new book coming out in April called 250 Indie Games You Must Play. It includes some AGS games in there. I recognise Downfall on the cover, and is that Ben Jordan down there?

Amazon.com describes it thusly:

"A guide to the exciting and expanding world of indie gaming, this book presents 250 influential and fun indie video games. Whether you are a veteran of the indie game scene or have never played an indie game before, the book helps further your understanding of why indie games are so important in the entertainment industry. The games highlighted in the text encompass concepts and ideas that will change your perspective of what video games can be. Direct web links are provided so that users can play the games described."

edited to add link: http://independently-speaking.com/250-indie-games-you-must-play/

m0ds · Mon 28/03/2011 08:21:02

Haha! Nice! I will buy it, hopefully. Little bit pricey...

That's Back Door Man at the bottom! Woohoo

RaveofRavendale · Mon 28/03/2011 14:22:39

Hullo! This is Mike, long time lurker of these forums in the quest to find lovely AGS games to post on IndieGames.com.

I do indeed have a book coming out in a few weeks, and it has a good number of AGS games featured in it. I won't reveal which are in it just yet, although I did contact each developer featured, so I guess if they hang around here, they'll let you know if they're in it or not!

ThreeOhFour · Tue 29/03/2011 12:15:28

Haha Mike has an account on the ags forums! Whaddya know?

I am definitely going to get myself a copy (and not just because my name may be mentioned inside - I have basically *no* indie game related books, and it will be amazing to have one

)

m0ds · Tue 29/03/2011 23:40:00

Yes, good luck with the book Mike.

Grundislav · Wed 30/03/2011 00:09:45

Just pre-ordered.

I fully intend to leave this book lying around in plain view so when people walk by I can not so subtlety say "ahem ahem, why LOOK, this book has a game I MADE IN IT! NYAAAAA!"

Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens · Wed 30/03/2011 03:26:48

I wonder if you actively sought out any games that didn't specifically draw a lot of attention to themselves, and this is coming from someone who has won AGS awards and been mentioned in magazines?

I ask because these so-called 'indie collections' have this horrible tendency to completely overlook games that aren't huge blips on the radar or well-publicised and instead focus on games that have circulated around to many sites and drawn a cult following. Most indie reviewers, to me, are rather intellectually lazy that way. Bear in mind I'm not accusing you of that, since I've not read this book yet. It was just a general question-statement about the whole 'indie' reviewer scene in general.

I'd like to see games people aren't whore-pimping get some well-deserved notice, that's all.

Ponch · Wed 30/03/2011 04:11:01

Quote from: ProgZmax on Wed 30/03/2011 03:26:48
I wonder if you actively sought out any games that didn't specifically draw a lot of attention to themselves

Thank you, ProgZ. It's about time someone got out there and pimped a long running series of games that have tragically (some might say bafflingly) gone overlooked for far too long. It's long past due that a voice spoke up and demanded to know why others aren't covering this so often snubbed series, into which so much hard work and love has been poured, year after year.

I am, of course, talking about Oceanspirit Dennis.

Thank you for bringing this matter to the gaming press. I salute you, sir!

Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens · Wed 30/03/2011 04:26:49

I also mentioned games people aren't whore-pimping...

You're a massive whore-pimp.

Ponch · Wed 30/03/2011 04:35:53

Quote from: ProgZmax on Wed 30/03/2011 04:26:49
You're a massive whore-pimp.

While it's true that I am rather pimpish, I'll have you know that if you give it away for free, it's not whoring. (You can also barter it for a set of quarter panels for a totally bitchin' camaro. At least, I'm pretty sure the law allows for that. And if it doesn't, then this isn't the country I grew up in!) 8)

RaveofRavendale · Wed 30/03/2011 08:56:29

Quote from: ProgZmax on Wed 30/03/2011 03:26:48
I wonder if you actively sought out any games that didn't specifically draw a lot of attention to themselves, and this is coming from someone who has won AGS awards and been mentioned in magazines?

I ask because these so-called 'indie collections' have this horrible tendency to completely overlook games that aren't huge blips on the radar or well-publicised and instead focus on games that have circulated around to many sites and drawn a cult following. Most indie reviewers, to me, are rather intellectually lazy that way. Bear in mind I'm not accusing you of that, since I've not read this book yet. It was just a general question-statement about the whole 'indie' reviewer scene in general.

I'd like to see games people aren't whore-pimping get some well-deserved notice, that's all.

That's exactly what I tried to do, ProgZmax. I too hate when I read a top 10 list of whatever, and it's just the 10 most obvious choices, which clearly required no research on the writer's part whatsoever.

If you ever visit IndieGames.com, you'll know that we frequently give press to the most weird and wonderful games and experiences, as well as mentioning bigger releases. With this book, I hope to give cast the same spotlight as the site does, featuring both big name indie games and loads of smaller, awesome games too.

cat · Wed 30/03/2011 09:06:20

You should show not only the title page but also 2 or 3 pages from inside the book. I can't imagine just from the description how the book will look like and if it is something I would like to read.

RaveofRavendale · Wed 30/03/2011 10:57:51

Quote from: cat on Wed 30/03/2011 09:06:20
You should show not only the title page but also 2 or 3 pages from inside the book. I can't imagine just from the description how the book will look like and if it is something I would like to read.

The book only just went to print this week, which is why details are a little sparse at the moment. I will, of course, share as much as possible when I have it available.

Igor Hardy · Wed 30/03/2011 11:35:36

Congrats on the book Mike! Like cat I'm curious how it looks inside.

arj0n · Wed 30/03/2011 11:48:50

I'm gonna preorder this book tonight, looks like an interesting book anyways.
And it will look good on the bookshelf too

Stupot · Wed 30/03/2011 12:59:57

Should be an interesting read. A teeny bit pricey for me at the minute, but if you catch me in a good mood I'll probably cave in. All the best with release :-)

Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens · Thu 31/03/2011 03:31:29

QuoteThat's exactly what I tried to do, ProgZmax.

Very good. I wish your book success, then! It's not something I want to go into a rant about, but frankly I'm a bit annoyed and tired at the pop-indie sites only giving attention to games that have already got a load of press, so I'm appreciative and happy that you're not doing that, and in turn I'll probably frequent your blog to see what treasures you've found (so I can play them, of course!).

Indie games book

m0ds

m0ds