Smartbomb: The Quest for Art, Entertainment, and Big Bucks in the Videogame Revolution Paperback – 10 November 2006

This book is very well written, with a fun and engaging style a bit similar to other great books like "Hackers" and "Masters of Doom". This one seems a bit as a rehash on those classic books, but it has its own merits. The best chapter is the one telling the Will Wright story, with the worst chapter being what should have been the best, talking about "Dallas, the first person shooter capital", they talked too much about game contests and less about the creators of the games.If you want a truly, superb, amazing and mind-blowing account of game making from grass-roots to success and downfall I must recommend "Masters of Doom". Its just the best one out there. Its my personal choice.That said, I enjoyed this book, the Will Wright story probably pays itself, and its a fair complement to my collection.

Whether you're a gamer or a games designer, you'll find this to be a fascinating read. Both Heather and Aaron weave the kind of prose that make you want to turn just one more page. If you liked books such as 'Masters of Doom', then this is for you. Lots of insight into the companies and individuals that make the games industry what it is.

I read about the videogame industry constantly as part of my job, but I got more of an overview of the pioneers and personalities involved in the development & running of this industry.The only complaint I had about the book was I thought it should have given more of a background about the 900 lb. gorilla in the industry--Electronic Arts. Even so, a very enjoyable book for anyone interested in how the videogame industry came about & the personalities behind it.

This book is an engaging look at some of the movers and shakers in today's videogame production world. The author breathes life into the characters, and she makes you appreciate their humanity, although often her physical descriptions of people tend to be not quite right and sometimes just plain wrong. Is in no way comprehensive but is a quick and fun read on a slice in time of the videogame revolution.