The book starts by grappling with the fundamental question: what exactly is a video game? It delves into the different genres, modes of production, and defining characteristics that set video games apart from other forms of media. This section lays the groundwork for the rest of the book, providing readers with a common vocabulary and framework for understanding this complex medium.

The authors borrow tools and concepts from film studies to analyze video games, examining elements like space, time, narrative, and genre within the context of the interactive world. This cross-disciplinary approach sheds light on the unique storytelling capabilities of video games, highlighting the active role players take in shaping their own experiences.

Beyond entertainment, the book acknowledges video games as cultural products worthy of serious study and preservation. It explores the history of video games, their place in museums, and their role as repositories of psychological archetypes. This section emphasizes the lasting impact video games have on our society and their ability to reflect and shape our collective values and beliefs.