Gaming books are some of the best physical media fans can get but are also exquisite gifts for gamers too. From Deluxe Editions with extra lithograph prints to novels that help to build up a colorful and rich universe of lore and history, gaming books are brilliant additions to one's gaming library (pun intended) and I would always recommend them to folks looking to further their knowledge and merchandise of their favorite games and series.
With Amazon's fast shipping times, the retail giant is one of the best places to browse for the books - it is nearly Christmas time after all - as you'll have the best chance of them getting to you or your loved ones before the Holidays.
Gaming books at Amazon US - Video game novels (opens in new tab) | Video game art books (opens in new tab) | Retro gaming books (opens in new tab)
Gaming books at Amazon UK - Video game novels (opens in new tab) | Video game art books (opens in new tab) | Retro gaming books (opens in new tab)
I have a fair collection of gaming books, and mainly of the art book variety, but some novels too. There's something for everyone, and the industry is rich and diverse enough now that there are books on almost every aspect of its from history, game development, stories of making games, and stories of games themselves. Artbooks are certainly the flashiest of the family though, and make great tomes to pore through and over.
Novels are also a great way to flesh out our favorite universes and worlds - and stories - particularly in between games or after one is finished but we're left wanting more. For example, the Assassin's Creed novels are largely novelizations of the familiar plots but do add details and fill gaps; the Mass Effect and Dragon Age novels are timely right now and build up huge and wonderfully rich and varied universes full of history, stories, and background information; and The Witcher books really are a must for any fans of The Witcher games and Netflix show as it shows where it all began.
It's worth noting that some of these books do contain spoilers for their partner games so be aware! And remember, this is not even trying to be an exhaustive list or even 'best' list, really, but it will hopefully provide some timely inspiration and get you cracking on in the right direction.
Gaming art books
Gaming books - Novels
Gaming books at Amazon US - Video game novels (opens in new tab) | Video game art books (opens in new tab) | Retro gaming books (opens in new tab)
Gaming books at Amazon UK - Video game novels (opens in new tab) | Video game art books (opens in new tab) | Retro gaming books (opens in new tab)
Some of these books also come digitally, so you might be in need of one of the best kindles to get your gaming book hit. For more ideas before Christmas, check out our gaming gifts guide.