It gives us immense pride to announce that we're joining forces with the award-winning team at Lost in Cult to create The Console Chronicles, a new book which aims to celebrate the history of the home video game industry.
At more than 400 pages, this book will not only chart the incredible history of the console industry – shining a light on the achievements of companies such as Atari, Sega, Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft and others – but also tell the more personal stories behind those systems, looking beyond sales figures and technical specifications to nail down exactly what these remarkable pieces of technology mean to the people who played them.
Divided into nine key sections corresponding to the nine console hardware generations, The Console Chronicles will uncover the human stories behind systems like the Atari 2600, Super Nintendo, Sony PlayStation and Xbox 360 – consoles which defined entire generations of play.
While the book will have 'Time Extension' on its cover, it's so much more than that; fellow Hookshot Media staff will be involved too, including Alana Hagues, Liam Doolan, Alex Olney, Gavin Lane, Ollie Reynolds, Stephen Tailby, Aaron Bayne, Fraser Gilbert and PJ O'Reilly.
In addition to this, the book will also feature contributions from some of the leading lights in the world of games journalism and beyond, such as Julian "Jaz" Rignall (C&VG, Mean Machines), Kurt Kalata (Hardcore Gaming 101), James Mielke (1UP), Sara Heritage, Christian Donlan (Eurogamer), Ashley Day (GamesTM), Jon Cartwright (Good Vibes Gaming), Darryl Still (Atari), Van Burnham (Supercade), Tom Charnock (The Dreamcast Junkyard) and many, many more.
Founded in 2020 by Jon Doyle, Lost in Cult has already made a name for itself via its periodical magazine Lock-On, which is currently on its fifth issue. The company has also published A Handheld History, a book which looks at the world of portable video gaming. Earlier this year, Lost in Cult won 'Best Newcomer' at the MCV Develop Awards. We're utterly thrilled (and honoured) to be working with such an amazingly passionate and talented team on this project.
Featuring bespoke illustrations from Stephen Maurice Graham, Raul Higuera, Hannah Kwan Cosselmon, William Exley, and Jack Teagle, The Console Chronicles will look as good as it reads. The 'Campaign Edition' will come with a foiled bookmark, two A3-sized posters and a sheet of stickers. You'll also get a copy of the lo-fi 'zine 'Port', created by designer Arkotype. Finally – and perhaps most exciting of all – your name will be printed in the book's backer segment.
The Console Chronicles will be sponsored by The Embracer Games Archive. Based in Karlstad, Sweden, The Embracer Games Archive is one of the most active forces in the realm of video game preservation, and its collection currently stands at over 80,000 games, consoles, and accessories.
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If you like what you see, then head over to The Console Chronicles campaign page and pledge your support. The success of this venture will directly benefit the work we do here at Time Extension, and across the wider Hookshot Media network – so we'd really appreciate it.
The Console Chronicles will launch in Q2 2024.