February 2023 MBR The Gaming Shelf

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/0500024235

Synopsis: With the publication of "Videogame Atlas: Mapping Interactive Worlds" architectural designers Luke Caspar Pearson and Sandra Youkhana provide a fascinating and informative examination of modern videogame worlds as seen through an architectural lens, utilizing maps, diagrams, and graphic illustrations to offer new perspectives on the art of virtual world building. "Videogame Atlas" presents a journey through twelve well-known videogame worlds via panoramic maps, intricate exploded diagrams, and detailed illustrations. "Videogame Atlas" also offers a playful new way of seeing these beloved virtual worlds using the practices and academic rigor that underpins real-world architectural theory.

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

"Videogame Atlas: Mapping Interactive Worlds" is printed in five colors, with neon ink throughout, and the culmination of architectural designers Luke and Sandra's work, which includes founding the Videogame Urbanism studio at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL that promotes the use of game technologies 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 Atlas: 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 studies 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 explores the integration of videogame technologies into architectural design, leading conversations on how games can engage new participants in the design 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 technologies into architectural design, leading conversations on how games can engage new participants in the design of cities. (https://theconversation.com/profiles/sandra-youkhana-1311655)

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