Title
Gaming the Iron Curtain: How Teenagers and Amateurs in Communist Czechoslovakia Claimed the Medium of Computer Games (Game Histo,Used
Delivery time: 8-12 business days (International)
How amateur programmers in 1980s Czechoslovakia discovered games as a medium, using them not only for entertainment but also as a means of selfexpression.Aside from the exceptional history of Tetris, very little is known about gaming culture behind the Iron Curtain. But despite the scarcity of home computers and the absence of hardware and software markets, Czechoslovakia hosted a remarkably active DIY microcomputer scene in the 1980s, producing more than two hundred games that were by turns creative, inventive, and politically subversive. In Gaming the Iron Curtain, Jaroslav velch offers the first social history of gaming and game design in 1980s Czechoslovakia, and the first booklength treatment of computer gaming in any country of the Soviet bloc.velch describes how amateur programmers in 1980s Czechoslovakia discovered games as a medium, using them not only for entertainment but also as a means of selfexpression. Sheltered in statesupported computer clubs, local programmers fashioned games into a medium of expression that, unlike television or the press, was neither regulated nor censored. In the final years of Communist rule, Czechoslovak programmers were among the first in the world to make activist games about current political events, anticipating trends observed decades later in independent or experimental titles. Drawing from extensive interviews as well as political, economic, and social history, Gaming the Iron Curtain tells a compelling tale of gaming the system, introducing us to individuals who used their ingenuity to be active, be creative, and be heard.
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⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
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Shipping & Returns
Shipping
We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
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Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main focus of 'Gaming the Iron Curtain'? A: The book focuses on how amateur programmers in 1980s Czechoslovakia used computer games as a medium for self-expression and entertainment, exploring the unique gaming culture behind the Iron Curtain.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Gaming the Iron Curtain'? A: The author is Jaroslav Švelch, who provides a social history of gaming and game design in 1980s Czechoslovakia.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: The book was published on December 25, 2018.
- Q: How many pages does 'Gaming the Iron Curtain' have? A: The book contains 400 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is available in hardcover binding.
- Q: Is 'Gaming the Iron Curtain' suitable for academic research? A: Yes, it provides extensive historical context and research, making it suitable for academic purposes related to gaming culture and history.
- Q: What themes are explored in the book? A: The book explores themes of creativity, political expression, and the impact of DIY gaming culture in a repressive regime.
- Q: Can I use this book for a study on video game history? A: Absolutely, it offers a unique perspective on the history of video games, particularly in the context of Eastern Europe during the Cold War.
- Q: Does the book include interviews with programmers? A: Yes, the author draws from extensive interviews with local programmers to provide insights into their experiences and the gaming culture of the time.
- Q: What makes this book different from other gaming history books? A: This book is the first to provide a comprehensive social history of gaming in a Soviet bloc country, highlighting the unique circumstances of Czechoslovakia's gaming scene.