Joysticks-An illustrated History of the Game Controller

[rbudrick]

Have you guys seen this book? I stumbled upon it by accident, so I apologize if this is common knowledge.

This thing is awesome!! Technically, the name is 'Joysticks-Eine Illustrierte Geschichte der Game Controller 1972-2004' by Winnie Forster and Stephan Freundorfer. It's all in German, and I can only understand about 5-10% of it, but it doesn't matter. This book is AWESOME.

http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/3000121838/qid%3D/028-9314005-1050123

It seems they've done a couple other books:

Das grosse Lexikon der Computerspiele! ---The Big Lexicon of Computergames, I suppose.

I paid way too much in shipping to USA, but I'm a very happy camper.

Looks like on the back of the book is a website... Gameplan.de...I'll check it out.

-Rob

[robotriot]

Yea, I got this one and their first book, which is about consoles. They're really well-done content wise imo, they did very good research on their material. And there's good photos of all the stuff all over the place :) They probably should translate it to English, this might sell outside of Germany as well I guess.

[§ Gideon §]

Hmm... That looks like a book that I'd like to own.

[hydr0x]

i must admit i don't have the two books they made (they joystick one is a very recent release), i should really buy them as i'm german...

i've seen their "game" room though, not in reality but on screen, holy shit, those guys have got A LOT of joysticks....

[gamergary]

Looks like a cool book. They should translate it into English because it would sell moderately to the US.

[ccc---]

Looks like a cool book. They should translate it into English because it would sell moderately to the US.

Hi folks,

well there is a brand new second edition of the first GAMEplan book now: "Game.Machines: Consoles, Handhelds & Home Computers 1972 - 2005". It has been expanded from 144 to 224 pages, with many additional systems, more photos and also more information on the systems that already have been covered in the first edition.

More info and sample pages (PDF) of the German version at www.dieterkoenig.at/gameplan/.

But, the greatest news for you US guys: There will also be an English version of the new book. Currently we are searching for a US distributor, so if you know anyone who would take a bigger bunch of books (Joe??? ;) ) please let me know.

More info on the English version will soon be available at www.game-machines.co.uk

[robotriot]

Coolness, I'll order it as soon as I'm getting my paycheck ^^ Are any follow-ups planned (Gameplan 3)?

[ccc---]

Coolness, I'll order it as soon as I'm getting my paycheck ^^ Are any follow-ups planned (Gameplan 3)?

Yes, GAMEplan 3 "Software" is planned, but will still take (many) months. That book will kick ass! But well, GP1.5 kixx ass too! :)

[SoulBlazer]

Perhaps you should try contacting Leonard Herman? His company, Rolenta Press, published several video game books such as Phoenix and he may be interested in securing the North American rights. :)

[rbudrick]

I'd love to own an English version of the Game Controllers book.

But wow, talk about reviving an old thread. That's ok, cuz I started it, BWA HA HA HA! :D

-Rob

[Emily]

Sweet.I cant wait for the english printing!