Save Point: Reporting from a Video Game Industry in Transition, 2003-2011

by Kyle Orland

In this collection of over 20 pieces of original contemporaneous reporting andanalysis, veteran game journalist Kyle Orland takes a look back at gaming's "awkward adolescence" in the early 2000s. In doing so, he examines the technological, cultural, and business forces that were roiling the industry during this important transition period, gleaning modern lessons from a time when video games were growing out of their "kids stuff" image and into a global entertainment powerhouse.

Genres: Video Games

161 pages, Hardcover

First published August 12, 2021

Reviews

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating anthology of essays from a critical era in the history of the gaming medium. Orland's preface before each article helps put things into context, reminding those of us who were there what was happening and why, while also showing us where we've gone since then. My only wish was for some sort of closing epilogue to the collection, as currently, it ends somewhat abruptly.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first part here, as it really truly felt like we were getting what was promised: a look at the video game industry struggling through its adolescent years. The rest of the articles move away from this, some to the point of feeling pretty onanistic, but it was enjoyable overall, especially as someone who loved through the time. Being reminded of things like the potato updates in a bunch of indie games on Steam was fun.