Alongside watching movies based on iconic gaming franchises and listening to many gaming-related podcasts, many gamers also read various books dedicated to their favorite hobby. There are some fantastic options out there.
Books in this particular category are also diverse. For example, some titles focus on gaming culture in the modern world; others look at the history of this enthralling entertainment category. At the same time, books are looking at how video game designers function and the crucial role they play. There is a massive selection out there for gamers seeking some good books to read.
It’s certainly a literary genre that appeals to players. When they aren’t exploring vast worlds in Elden Ring or fine-tuning their strategies in blackjack games online, finding a quiet corner and enjoying a compelling gaming-related read is an understandable preference. With that in mind, we briefly highlight five great books for gamers to read in 2025.
Jane McGonigal Breaks Reality
Throughout its rich history, gaming has faced a lot of scrutiny. For instance, some people suggest it can ruin relationships or even lead to mental health issues if it’s enjoyed too much. The stigma around it has undoubtedly changed in more recent times, though. As society has become more tech-savvy, new gamers have been born. Focusing on this and more, Reality Is Broken by Jane McGonigal explores how gaming has penetrated society and how some titles can improve it. A refreshing take on a hobby millions of people adore daily, Jane McGonigal is onto something here.
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by Jason Schreier
For people who have explored smash-hit releases like Destiny, titles like Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by Jason Schreier are fascinating. Schreier writes about how these iconic releases came about, looking at aspects of their creation and deep-diving into their development. Offering a behind-the-scenes look at so many familiar titles, including the likes of The Witcher 3, Blood, Sweat, and Pixels, is a book many gamers have enjoyed.
Game Design Workshop by Tracy Fullerton
A slightly different inclusion to the rest, the role played by game designers is hugely important. Without them, games wouldn’t be made. It’s that simple. In the Game Design Workshop by Tracy Fullerton, aspiring designers can gain further inspiration and improve their work through practical exercises. Alongside it, budding designers have examples that will engage and inform, plus a whole host of other material that can benefit them moving forward.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
If you grew up in the 1980s and played on classic consoles like the Atari 7800, plus a host of other iconic consoles, then you’ll probably enjoy diving back through time in Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. This much-loved publication is a love letter to 1980s culture, focusing on the birth of virtual reality gaming and much more. Ready Player One is definitely worth reading for gamers with a passion for gaming history, particularly from the 1980s. It’s so popular that we’ve even seen a movie with the same name emerge alongside it. Like the book, it’s also worth checking out.
The Ultimate History of Video Games by Steven L. Kent
Another strong option for gamers interested in the classics is The Ultimate History of Video Games by Steven L. Kent, a book many gamers endorse. In this one, you can expect a hugely detailed look at how far gaming has come. From the 70s to the 2000s, Steven L. Kent remarkably highlights gaming’s evolution.
