In the realm of gaming, where fantastic worlds come to life, there’s a timeless medium that continues to captivate: the printed book. While advancing computer technology has revolutionized the way we can experience the gaming world, the tactile experience, the visual appeal and the enduring nature of a physical book offer something truly unique.
For gamers, printed books can serve as portals to explore deeper into their favorite game universes, providing rich backstories, character development and untold lore that can enhance the overall gaming experience. Whether your choice of gaming involves a screen or simply friends sitting around a table, print media can help you dive in and fully immerse yourself in a different world.
Novels: Delving Deeper into Game Narratives
One of the most popular ways to expand a game universe is through novels. These can be written as prequels, sequels or standalone stories that explore the world and characters in greater detail. For example, the Assassin’s Creed series has a vast lore that is expanded upon in novels, providing additional context for the games. Similarly, the Witcher series, written by Andrzej Sapkowski, has been adapted into a successful video game franchise, but the novels offer a much richer and more complex exploration of Geralt of Rivia’s world. Finally, the Star Wars universe, originally conceptualized in George Lucas’ film franchise, has enjoyed the addition of hundreds of novels and comic books that expand upon the stories and settings introduced in the movies and games.
Game Companions: Essential Guides to the Gaming World
For those who want to immerse themselves fully in a video game world, game companions are invaluable resources. These books often contain detailed information about the game’s lore, characters, weapons and gameplay mechanics. They can be used as reference guides during gameplay or simply as enjoyable reads for fans. For instance, the Elder Scrolls series has a wealth of game companions that delve into the history, culture, and mythology of Tamriel.
Game companions are a necessary part of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs). These books contain information about character classes, game mechanics and monsters required to run a successful campaign. Dungeons & Dragons, for example, has countless game companion books, including the Player Handbook, the Dungeon Master’s Guide, Monster Manuals and more, giving players and dungeon masters the tools they need to create their very own fantasy world.
Encyclopedias: Comprehensive References for Game Universes
Encyclopedias are another essential tool for exploring game universes. These books provide a comprehensive overview of the world, its history and its inhabitants. They can be a great resource for players who want to learn more about the game’s lore and backstory. The Final Fantasy series is known for its extensive encyclopedias that delve into the rich history of the series’ various worlds. The Legend of Zelda games also have an accompanying encyclopedia, educating readers on the various incarnations of Link, Zelda and Ganon.
Art Books: Celebrating the Visual Beauty of Games
For those who appreciate the visual aesthetics of games, art books are a must-have. These books showcase the stunning artwork that brings game worlds to life. They can be a great way to admire the talent of game artists and gain a deeper appreciation for the visual design of the games. The Horizon Zero Dawn series has beautiful art books that showcase the stunning landscapes and creatures of its post-apocalyptic world.
TTRPGs also gain an extra level of immersion through art books. For example, The Complete Elmore: Vol. III, a collection of fantasy art by renowned artist Larry Elmore, transports its reader to a world of dragons and magic. Fantasy art books can help inspire tabletop gamers to dream up new characters and settings for their own campaigns.
Expanding Your Game Universe with Walsworth
If you’re a game developer or publisher looking to expand your game universe with printed books, Walsworth can help. With our expertise in book printing, we can provide you with high-quality, affordable printing solutions that will bring your vision to life. From novels and game companions to encyclopedias and art books, we have the capabilities to produce a wide range of printed materials that will create new and exciting ways for your audience to interact with your games.
Contact Us Today to learn more about how Walsworth can help you expand your game universe with printed books, please contact us today. Our team of experts can provide you with a free quote and answer any questions you may have.
* This article was developed with assistance from Google’s PaLM 2 large language AI model.