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Roguelike
Mathematical models, behavioral models, and self-perfection from playing video games. What? Video games? Oh, yes. Consider:
In 1974, "The Inner Game of Tennis" took the world by storm -- millions of people who'd never swung a racket learned about grace and smooth performance from it.
In 2008, the greatest Japanese novelist of this generation published "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" -- and millions of non-runner non-authors flocked to Murakami's work to learn about immersion into the difficulty and pain of both running and writing -- and reaching self-perfection through that.
Written while laid up from surgery, Sebastian Marshall brings you self-perfection through studying and mastering the most difficult type of video games -- Roguelikes. Following the tradition of Gallwey and Murakami, the book will resonate with those who play difficult games -- and build deep mental models for the non-gamers too.
In 1974, "The Inner Game of Tennis" took the world by storm -- millions of people who'd never swung a racket learned about grace and smooth performance from it.
In 2008, the greatest Japanese novelist of this generation published "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" -- and millions of non-runner non-authors flocked to Murakami's work to learn about immersion into the difficulty and pain of both running and writing -- and reaching self-perfection through that.
Written while laid up from surgery, Sebastian Marshall brings you self-perfection through studying and mastering the most difficult type of video games -- Roguelikes. Following the tradition of Gallwey and Murakami, the book will resonate with those who play difficult games -- and build deep mental models for the non-gamers too.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2015
7 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 13, 2026
The analogies Sebastian draws between roguelike games and real life are deeply intriguing. Much like a difficult game, life is defined by shifting variables and hidden complexities. Sebastian is great at strategizing how to navigate these challenges through resource management, creative problem-solving, and learning from your failures.
While I’m more familiar with modern roguelite games like Deadzone:Rogue, Hades or Dead Cells -which instead have meta-progression and faster pacing compared to the OG roguelikes - the strategic core is very similar. Thanks to Sebastian’s unique perspective, I’ll be applying more of these strategies learned from games to my own life, remembering that every setback is also an opportunity to unlock a stronger start. :)
While I’m more familiar with modern roguelite games like Deadzone:Rogue, Hades or Dead Cells -which instead have meta-progression and faster pacing compared to the OG roguelikes - the strategic core is very similar. Thanks to Sebastian’s unique perspective, I’ll be applying more of these strategies learned from games to my own life, remembering that every setback is also an opportunity to unlock a stronger start. :)
March 16, 2017
Business and life strategist Sebastian Marshall compares classic RPGs with roguelike elements (meaning permanent death for your game character) and compares them to different aspects of running your life and business.
I haven't played any of the oooold games Sebastian mentions, but I love the comparisons, the stats and strategic elements. His thinking helps me be more structural with my own life.
If you want a different self-help which focus heavily on (unusual) tactics and strategy, and you're a gamer geek, definitely check this one out. It makes you think.
I haven't played any of the oooold games Sebastian mentions, but I love the comparisons, the stats and strategic elements. His thinking helps me be more structural with my own life.
If you want a different self-help which focus heavily on (unusual) tactics and strategy, and you're a gamer geek, definitely check this one out. It makes you think.
April 18, 2016
Gaming as life
Sebastian Marshall attempts to show that life is like roguelike games. He even teaches how one can improve by gaming where one dies and restarts the game from the beginning after dying. This is different from the current methods of gaming with extra lives and save points.
Sebastian Marshall attempts to show that life is like roguelike games. He even teaches how one can improve by gaming where one dies and restarts the game from the beginning after dying. This is different from the current methods of gaming with extra lives and save points.
December 14, 2016
Super interesting and fascinating
I loved reading Roguelike and getting the insights of Sebastian. He's super good at pulling lessons, and in this case it is about roguelike video games. Eye opening! Thanks Sebastian
I loved reading Roguelike and getting the insights of Sebastian. He's super good at pulling lessons, and in this case it is about roguelike video games. Eye opening! Thanks Sebastian
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews