About Us

Welcome to Retro Game Books!

Founded in 2020 by Brian Riggsbee, our journey began with a spark of inspiration and a simple mission: to create unique, never-before-seen retro gaming themed books. These books are not mere pages; they are portals that transport you into the captivating history, mesmerizing art, and untold stories of classic games. Join us on our quest!

Beyond Books:

While books are our bread and butter, we don't stop there. Explore our collection of apparel, stickers, cards, posters, and more, all designed to celebrate the joy of retro gaming.


Press Start:

Retro Game Books has been featured by Polygon and our books have been enjoyed by gaming veterans such as Jeremy Parish and John Riggs. You’ll also discover us at gaming expos, pop-ups shops, and gaming podcasts. Check out our Press page for a complete overview.


Our Values:

  • Unique — We believe in the importance of filling in the historic gaps and offering a fresh take on nostalgic game history.
  • Preservation — We're committed to celebrating the games, developers, systems, themes, and innovations that have shaped gaming for decades. We aim to honor their legacy and ensure that their impact is remembered and cherished for years to come.
  • Quality — From the content of our books to the craftsmanship of our merchandise, we strive for excellence in every aspect. We meticulously research, design, and produce each item in order to meet our high standards.
  • Community — We're dedicated to fostering meaningful connections, sparking conversations, and creating a welcoming space for gamers, collectors, and enthusiasts alike.

Brian Riggsbee

Brian Riggsbee is the founder and owner of Retro Game Books. He has written and produced multiple books, including The Complete History of Rygar and the Video Game Maps series. 

Born in the California Bay Area, Brian's journey into the gaming universe began with the iconic Atari 2600. However, it wasn't until the groundbreaking arrival of the NES that Brian's gaming fervor truly ignited. Immersed in pixelated wonders, he embarked on epic adventures alongside friends and family, conquering digital realms across the NES, SNES, Genesis, and beyond. These early experiences would shape Brian's lifelong passion for gaming.

Brian is a former game designer and producer, and has contributed to games such as Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault (PC), Medal of Honor: Allied Assault - Breakthrough (PC), Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising (PC), Star Trek Online (PC), Hannah Montana: Rock Out the Show (PSP), Disney Channel All Star Party (Wii), Disney's High School Musical 3 (Wii, Xbox 360, PS2, PC), 2013: Infected Wars (iOS), Madden 10 (iOS), and Ashen Empires (PC). Additionally, he has created numerous maps for Counter-Strike: Source and Global Offensive as well as a five-level campaign for Left-4-Dead 2.

Brian lives in San Francisco with his wife and son.

 

Would you like to know more?

  • Links to articles, podcast interviews, and expo information can be found on our Press page.
  • We love chatting with fellow retro gamers. Find us on social media or shoot us an email. You can find all of our info on our Contact page.
  • If you want to be the first to know about new releases, restocks, and exclusive promos then please sign up for our Newsletter.

 

Do you want to collaborate with Retro Game Books?

  • If you are a writer that’s interested in pitching us your idea then check out our Pitch page. 
  • We are always on the hunt for new and exciting artists for our covers. If you want to share your portfolio then please send us an email found on our Contact page.
  • If you have feedback on what future projects we should tackle then please shoot us an email with your thoughts.