The Gaming Shelf

Videogame Atlas: Mapping Interactive Worlds
Luke Cospar Pearson, author
Sandra Youkhana, author
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500024232, $65.00, HC, 288pp

https://www.amazon.com/Videogame-Atlas-Mapping-Interactive-Worlds/dp/050002= 4235

Synopsis: With the publication of "Videogame Atlas: Mapping Interactive Wor= lds" architectural designers Luke Caspar Pearson and Sandra Youkhana provid=
e a fascinating and informative examination of modern videogame worlds as s= een through an architectural lens, utilizing maps, diagrams, and graphic il= lustrations to offer new perspectives on the art of virtual world building.=
"Videogame Atlas" presents a journey through twelve well-known videogame w= orlds via panoramic maps, intricate exploded diagrams, and detailed illustr= ations. "Videogame Atlas" also offers a playful new way of seeing these bel= oved virtual worlds using the practices and academic rigor that underpins r= eal-world architectural theory.

Popular videogame titles such as Minecraft, Assassin's Creed Unity, and Fin=
al Fantasy VII are explored in exhaustive detail through over 200 detailed = illustrations of the micro and macro, each with supporting commentary and a= rchitectural theory. Taking influence from high-end architectural monograph=
s, the book is carefully designed to the smallest of details and its produc= tion is intricately executed.

"Videogame Atlas: Mapping Interactive Worlds" is printed in five colors, wi=
th neon ink throughout, and the culmination of architectural designers Luke=
and Sandra's work, which includes founding the Videogame Urbanism studio a=
t the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL that promotes the use of game te= chnologies in architectural education.

Critique: A magnificent coffee-table style volume (9.8 x 1.3 x 13.7 inches,=
4.94 pounds) and enhanced with some 250 color illustrations, "Videogame At= las: Mapping Interactive Worlds" is a unique, informative, instructive, and=
unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, college, and = university library Video Game Art collections and supplemental curriculum s= tudies lists.

Editorial Note #1: Luke Caspar Pearson (https://www.youandpea.com/about) is=
an architectural designers who co-runs the studio, You + Pea. His work exp= lores the integration of videogame technologies into architectural design, = leading conversations on how games can engage new participants in the desig=
n of cities.

Editorial Note #2: Sandra Youkhana is an architectural designer who co-runs=
the studio, You + Pea. Her work explores the integration of videogame tech= nologies into architectural design, leading conversations on how games can = engage new participants in the design of cities. (https://theconversation.c= om/profiles/sandra-youkhana-1311655)

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