1 / 2Gamer Nation: Video Games and American Culture
Gamer Nation: Video Games and American Culture is John Wills’s critical study of how video games depict American history, culture and everyday life. The book discusses games including Pong, Civilization, The Oregon Trail, Grand Theft Auto and Fortnite, and considers how these portrayals shape ideas about America.
At a glance
- Examines video games as interpretations of American history, landscapes and cultural identity.
- Discusses titles spanning arcade classics, historical simulations and contemporary games.
- Considers subjects including organized crime, environmental degradation, racial conflict and the War on Terror.
Reference price: $78.99
Price checked: 13 Nov 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Its broad selection of games offers multiple examples for readers interested in games and American cultural history.
- The stated 296-page length gives buyers a clear indication of the book's scope.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY PRESS |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 14 July 2019 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 296 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1421428709 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1421428703 |
| Weight listed | 390 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.24 x 1.83 x 22.86 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers studying video games, American culture or representations of history.
- Gamers interested in critical analysis of titles such as Civilization, The Oregon Trail and Grand Theft Auto.
Less suited to
- Buyers seeking a game guide, gameplay instructions or a neutral catalogue of video game history.
Frequently asked questions
What does Gamer Nation examine?
It examines how video games portray American landscapes, history and everyday life, and how those portrayals can shape ideas about the country.
Which games are discussed?
The supplied description names games including Pong, Civilization, The Oregon Trail, Grand Theft Auto, Silent Hill and Fortnite.
What are the book's listed format details?
The listing gives a print length of 296 pages, English language, first edition and publication date of 14 July 2019.
