As you might expect, there's not a lot of games in the 1970s, and so the novel is extremely long-winded. If you're more interested in games, then 1983 is more your jam, despite the Korean protagonist being a Gary-Stu and the abridged writing.

This novel has the opposite problem. It goes a more in depth in the technological aspects, legal patents, commercial delivery and business models, profit margins, etc. Here's the thing. I didn't read this story for that. I have a hard time believing grown men would enjoy playing a... more>> beta version of 'Snake.' And for 60 chapters that's the only game that's released. I feel like I'd have a better time watching an actual documentary instead since the fantastical elements of this genre is so muted.

That said, if you're here for just 1970s technology and not games, then you might like this more. <<less

This is a decent read. It's heavily business focused on the ins and outs of the developing tech and gaming industries in the late 70s America. So if talks on investments, patents, marketing, and corporate battles aren't your thing move on. But if you enjoy watching a protagonist use the most of their knowledge on an era with limited super powers, this is pretty good. Even if he just so happens to land in the middle of silicon valley with a decently wealthy family, engineering genius of a step sister,... more>> and meets every mover and shaker possible from Stanford to LA in that time. Dude has serious plot luck, but at least is written as a hard worker which I always have a soft spot for <<less