Significant Zero: Heroes, Villains, and the Fight for Art and Soul in Video Games

Description

From the award-winning video game writer of such hits as Star Wars Battlefront and BioShock comes an exclusive "compelling look into a world that doesn't like to spill its secrets to outsiders" (NPR): the video game industry. When his satirical musings in a college newspaper got him discharged from the Air Force, it became clear to Walt Williams that his destiny in life was to be a writer--he just never thought he'd end up writing video games, including some of the biggest franchises today. A veteran video game narrative designer, Williams pulls back the curtain on an astonishingly profitable industry that has put its stamp on pop culture and yet is little known to those outside its walls. As Williams walks you through his unlikely and at times inglorious rise within one of the world's top gaming companies, he exposes an industry abundant in brain power and out-sized egos, but struggling to stay innovative. Significant Zero also provides clear-eyed criticism of the industry's addiction to violence and explains how the role of the narrative designer is crucial for expanding the scope of video games into more immersive and emotional experiences.

  • Author: Walt Williams
  • Publisher: Atria Books
  • Pages: 304
  • ISBN: 9781501129964 (Paperback)

Ships separately from our book distribution partner by USPS Media Mail. Media Mail usually takes 2 to 8 business days after shipping. If you order this with cards or other items, it will arrive in its own package.

Significant Zero: Heroes, Villains, and the Fight for Art and Soul in Video Games

Product form

From the award-winning video game writer of such hits as Star Wars Battlefront and BioShock comes an exclusive "compelling look... Read more

$19.00

    • Free shipping on orders of $100 or more. Ships from Owego, NY in 1 to 3 business days, carefully packed to arrive safely. Refund policy
    • Guaranteed secure & safe checkout.

      shop pay
    • 14-day returns on unopened accessories, figures and books
    Shipping and returns

    Orders ship from Owego, NY within 1 to 3 business days of payment, to addresses in the United States. Shipping is free on orders of $100 or more. Pre-orders ship when the product is released.

    Unused accessories, figures and books in their original packaging can be returned within 14 days of delivery. Trading card singles and sealed trading card product are final sale, but they are fully covered if they arrive damaged, incorrect or not as described.

    Shipping policy | Refund policy

    Description

    From the award-winning video game writer of such hits as Star Wars Battlefront and BioShock comes an exclusive "compelling look into a world that doesn't like to spill its secrets to outsiders" (NPR): the video game industry. When his satirical musings in a college newspaper got him discharged from the Air Force, it became clear to Walt Williams that his destiny in life was to be a writer--he just never thought he'd end up writing video games, including some of the biggest franchises today. A veteran video game narrative designer, Williams pulls back the curtain on an astonishingly profitable industry that has put its stamp on pop culture and yet is little known to those outside its walls. As Williams walks you through his unlikely and at times inglorious rise within one of the world's top gaming companies, he exposes an industry abundant in brain power and out-sized egos, but struggling to stay innovative. Significant Zero also provides clear-eyed criticism of the industry's addiction to violence and explains how the role of the narrative designer is crucial for expanding the scope of video games into more immersive and emotional experiences.

    • Author: Walt Williams
    • Publisher: Atria Books
    • Pages: 304
    • ISBN: 9781501129964 (Paperback)

    Ships separately from our book distribution partner by USPS Media Mail. Media Mail usually takes 2 to 8 business days after shipping. If you order this with cards or other items, it will arrive in its own package.

    Shipping & Returns

    When will my order ship?

    Orders ship from Owego, NY within 1 to 3 business days of payment, and most arrive 2 to 5 business days after shipping. We currently ship within the United States. Pre-orders ship when the product is released, and you'll receive a tracking number by email when your order ships.

    Can I return my order?

    Unused accessories, figures and books in their original packaging can be returned within 14 days of delivery. Trading card singles and sealed trading card product are final sale. Please email us before sending anything back.

    What if my order arrives damaged or incorrect?

    Contact us within 7 days of delivery with your order number and a photo. We'll send a replacement or a full refund, including your original shipping cost, at no charge to you.

    Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Isekai Games, LLC. Powered by Shopify.

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Visa