Videogame Atlas (mapping Interactive Worlds)

By (author) Caspar Pearson, Luke; By (author) Youkhana, Sandra; Foreword by Foulston, Marie
Description:
As featured on BBC RADIO 4''s Start the Week: a dazzling look at modern videogame worlds 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. The book offers a playful new way of seeing these beloved virtual worlds using the practices and academic rigour that underpins real-world architectural theory.

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.

This book, printed in five colours, with neon ink throughout, is a culmination of 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.
Table of contents:
Introduction

1. Stardew Valley, Nintendo 2016
2. Assassin’s Creed Unity, Ubisoft 2014
3. Cities: Skylines, Colossal Order 2015
4. Death Stranding, Kojima Productions 2019
5. Dwarf Fortress, Bay 12 Games 2006-
6. Final Fantasy VII + Remake, Square Enix 1997/2020
7. Fortnite, Epic Games 2017
8. Stardew Valley, Stardew Valley 2016
9. Katamari Damacy, Namco 2004
10. Minecraft, Mojang Studios 2009
11. Persona 5, Atlus 2016
12. Dark Souls, Nintendo 2011

Conclusion
Notes
Review quote:
''Aims to showcase the artistic and design merits of video games... Worth a read... One of the precious few publications focusing on the intersection between [architectural and video game design]'' - Canadian Architect
Biographical note:
Sandra Youkhana and Luke Caspar Pearson are architectural designers who run their own studio, You + Pea. Their work explores the integration of videogame technologies into architectural design, leading conversations on how games can engage new participants in the design of cities.
Promotional headline:
As featured on BBC RADIO 4''s Start the Week: a dazzling look at modern videogame worlds seen through an architectural lens, utilizing maps, diagrams and graphic illustrations to offer new perspectives on the art of virtual world building