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A BOOK THAT MADE ARCADES 10x MORE FUN!

Zenji Ishii



 

This book is a reflection on Gamest, an arcade game magazine published by Shinseisha from April 1986 to September 1999, as recounted by its former editor-in-chief, Zenji Ishii.


From its founding to its transition into a monthly publication, the opening of the first Marugeya store, and the Street Fighter II national tournament, Gamest thrived during the golden era of fighting games, increasing circulation issue after issue.


How was Gamest created? What unique environment did the staff work in? What were the thoughts and ambitions of its writers, editors, and executives? Ishii offers his firsthand account of these behind-the-scenes details.


As Gamest flourished, Shinseisha expanded rapidly, launching multiple magazines and increasing the number of Marugeya store locations. The company even built its own office building, aiming for further growth—but what happened next?


Beyond Ishii's personal recollections, this book includes roundtable discussions with 1980s writers, 1990s writers, female writers, and Gamest editors, offering rare insights and untold stories. Additionally, it provides a complete overview of Gamest’s entire publication history.


With a deep dive into groundbreaking fighting game mechanics, the challenges of mastering them, and the ambitions behind game journalism and industry expansion, this book uncovers the full picture of a unique game media outlet.


For those who shared part of their lives with Gamest—a bold and passionate magazine—this is an essential read.

 

PUBLICATION DETAILS

LANGUAGE

BINDING

EDITION

ISBN

YEAR

PAGES

Japanese

Paperback


9784866367170

2025

368

Japanese

eBook


N/A

2025

368

OTHER NAMES

The book that made arcades 10 times more fun! (A retrospective of the legendary arcade game magazine "Gamest" is here!)

ゲームセンターを10倍おもしろくした本!(伝説のアーケードゲーム誌『ゲーメスト』の回顧録が登場!)

 

TAGS


Authors: #ZenjiIshii

Publishers: #standards (standards)

Languages: #Japanese

Accessibility: N/A

Year: #Year2025


Companies:

N/A


Public Figures:

#ZenjiIshii (Zenji Ishii [石井 ぜんじ])


Games:

N/A


Misc:

#Magazines (Gaming Magazines)

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