New book, Psygnosis: Games People Play – Tome One is set to take retro gaming enthusiasts on a nostalgic journey.
The history of one of the most influential video game studios of the 1980s and 1990s: Psygnosis, is the subject of this crowdfunder from Editions64K.
Based in Liverpool, Psygnosis carved a unique niche in the industry. The studio became renowned for its visually stunning games, innovative concepts, and a distinct artistic style. The book promises to delve deep into the studio’s origins, its rise to prominence, and its lasting impact.
It has launched as a crowdfunder today and has already reached €2,080.68 of its €20,000 goal. Various stretch goals are available, including gatefolds and a presentation box.
A chronicle of innovation and artistry
The book is divided into two chronological volumes. Each aims to meticulously trace Psygnosis’s journey from its inception in the 1980s to its eventual closure in 2012. The first highlights the studio’s early days, born from the vision of Imagine Software alumni. Their aim was to create “Megagames” with groundbreaking graphics.
A significant portion of “Tome One” focuses on Psygnosis’s legendary alliance with the Amiga and Atari ST platforms. The book explores how games like Shadow of the Beast (1989) catapulted the studio into the limelight, showcasing the studio’s ability to push the hardware to its limits. It further discusses how titles like The Killing Game Show and Agony set new standards for visual fidelity in gaming.
Furthermore the book notably discusses:
- Psygnosis’s unique art style:
- The Influence of Roger Dean on the visual identity of Psygnosis, and the impact of the art used in marketing.
- The birth of Lemmings:
- Exploring the impact that the timeless puzzle game had on the industry. (Did you see the recent Lemmings documentary?)
- Key studio collaborations:
- Highlighting the collaboration between Psygnosis and studios such as Reflections Interactive, DMA Design, and Traveller’s Tales.
- The transition to CD-ROM:
- Examining Psygnosis’s pioneering efforts in utilizing the CD-ROM medium for enhanced multimedia content.
- The Sony Acquisition:
- Detailing the strategic importance of Sony’s acquisition of Psygnosis in 1993, and its role in the early success of the PlayStation.
Psygnosis: Games People Play is a tribute to a gaming legacy
“Psygnosis: Games People Play” is presented as a tribute to the studio, acknowledging that it is not officially endorsed by Sony. The book’s creators emphasize their respect for the copyright holders of all games and characters, using them for evaluation purposes only.
However, to bring this project to fruition, the publishers are turning to the retro gaming community for support through a crowdfunding campaign. This provides an opportunity for fans to directly contribute to the creation of this comprehensive historical record.
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With its promise of in-depth interviews, archival materials, and insightful analysis, this upcoming release is poised to be a must-have for retro gaming enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of video game development. And through it’s crowdfunding campaign, it also allows those fans to be part of the books creation.
Interested? Head to the Editions64K website to back their Psygnosis book. The campaign ends on May 11th, 2025.
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