Video game books go far beyond simple movie-tie-in cash grabs. The best ones expand game universes with backstory, character depth, and lore that the games themselves only hint at. We’ve read over 30 video game novels and picked the ones worth your time, from military sci-fi to dark fantasy to behind-the-scenes development stories.
- Halo: The Fall of Reach by Eric Nylund is widely regarded as the best video game novel, delivering a gripping military sci-fi origin story for Master Chief.
- The Witcher book series by Andrzej Sapkowski predates the games and offers the richest, most morally complex lore of any franchise on this list.
- BioShock: Rapture by John Shirley expands on the game’s philosophical themes and provides essential backstory on Andrew Ryan’s underwater city.
- Non-fiction picks like Masters of Doom and Blood, Sweat, and Pixels offer behind-the-scenes looks at how iconic games are actually made.
- Video game books appeal beyond existing fans — many work as standalone reads for anyone who enjoys sci-fi, fantasy, or thriller fiction.
#The Appeal of Video Game Books
Before we jump into specific recommendations, let’s consider why books based on video games have become so popular:
- Expanded Lore: Books explore game worlds far beyond what the games show, fleshing out histories, cultures, and characters that may only be hinted at during gameplay.
- Character Exploration: While games often focus on action and gameplay, books can take the time to really explore characters’ thoughts, motivations, and backstories.
- New Perspectives: Books can show familiar game events from different viewpoints or explore entirely new stories within established universes.
- Accessibility: Video game books can appeal to both hardcore fans and those who may not play the games but enjoy the worlds and concepts.
In our experience reading through these series, the best video game books are the ones that stand alone as good novels, not just as game companion pieces. According to The Verge’s coverage of video game adaptations, the video game book market has grown 40% since 2020, driven by the success of adaptations like The Witcher TV series.
#What Are the Best Video Game Books to Read First?
#Halo: The Fall of Reach by Eric Nylund
When we tried reading this without playing the games first, it still worked as a standalone military sci-fi novel. Nylund crafts the origin story of Master Chief and the Spartan-II program with pacing that matches the best Halo missions. According to PCMag’s gaming book guide, this is the single most recommended video game novel, with over 12,000 ratings averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.
If you’re looking for games similar to Halo, check out our list of games like Halo for more sci-fi FPS action.
#Assassin’s Creed Series by Oliver Bowden
Oliver Bowden has written several novels set in the Assassin’s Creed universe. “Renaissance” and “Brotherhood” explore Ezio Auditore’s life in far more detail than the games, while other entries cover new characters and time periods. These are ideal for fans who want more of the series’ historical world-building.
For more games that blend history and action like Assassin’s Creed, explore our list of games similar to Assassin’s Creed.
#Sci-Fi and Fantasy Picks
#BioShock: Rapture by John Shirley
Set before the first BioShock game, this novel covers how Rapture was built and how it fell into chaos. In our experience, it’s the best companion piece on this list because it fills in gaps that the game deliberately leaves mysterious. Shirley captures the atmosphere and philosophical themes perfectly while giving Andrew Ryan and Frank Fontaine far more depth than the games allowed.
#The Witcher Series by Andrzej Sapkowski
The Witcher began as a book series before being adapted into games, but we tested reading it after playing Witcher 3 first and it still works. Sapkowski’s original stories of Geralt of Rivia offer a morally complex fantasy world with far more depth than the games could fit into their dialogue trees.
If you’ve finished The Witcher 3 and are looking for similar games, check out our list of games like The Witcher 3 for more immersive RPG experiences.
#World of Warcraft: Arthas – Rise of the Lich King by Christie Golden
Christie Golden has written numerous novels set in the Warcraft universe, but “Arthas” stands out as a fan favorite. This book chronicles the tragic fall of Prince Arthas Menethil, one of the most iconic villains in gaming history. Golden’s character work is exceptional, making Arthas’s descent into darkness both understandable and heartbreaking. It’s a must-read for Warcraft lore enthusiasts.
For more epic multiplayer adventures, explore our list of games like World of Warcraft.
#Which Classic Novelizations Still Hold Up?
While many modern video game books tell original stories, there’s still a place for direct novelizations of popular games. Here are a few standout examples:
#Alan Wake by Rick Burroughs
This novelization of the psychological thriller game captures the eerie atmosphere and mind-bending plot twists that made Alan Wake so memorable. Burroughs expands on the game’s narrative, offering additional insights into Alan’s psyche and the dark forces arrayed against him.
#Resident Evil: The Umbrella Conspiracy by S.D. Perry
Based on the first game in the iconic survival horror series, this novel expands on the terrifying events in the Spencer Mansion. Perry does an excellent job translating the game’s tension and atmosphere into prose, making for a gripping read even for those unfamiliar with the game.
For more horror gaming experiences, check out our list of games like Resident Evil.
#Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc by Takashi Tsukimi
This light novel adaptation of the popular visual novel game brings the twisted world of Hope’s Peak Academy to life. Tsukimi captures the mystery, tension, and dark humor that made the game a cult classic.
If you’re a fan of Danganronpa’s unique blend of mystery and drama, explore our list of games like Danganronpa for similar experiences.
#Behind-the-Scenes Non-Fiction
For those interested in the history and development of video games, there are several excellent non-fiction works worth checking out:
#Masters of Doom by David Kushner
This book tells the story of John Carmack and John Romero, the brilliant and often contentious minds behind id Software, Doom, and Quake. Kushner’s account reads like a thriller, covering the rise of PC gaming and the birth of the first-person shooter genre.
#Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by Jason Schreier
Schreier covers the grueling reality of game development through case studies on Stardew Valley, Destiny, and Uncharted 4. According to CNET’s tech book recommendations, this is the best non-fiction gaming book available, praised for its investigative depth and insider access to studios.
#Reading Order Recommendations
If you’re new to video game books, start with a franchise you already play. For Halo fans, begin with The Fall of Reach then move to First Strike and Ghosts of Onyx. For Witcher fans, start with The Last Wish (short stories) before the novel saga. For non-fiction, read Masters of Doom first since it covers an earlier era that gives context to Blood, Sweat, and Pixels.
#Bottom Line
Start with Halo: The Fall of Reach if you want military sci-fi, The Witcher series if you want dark fantasy, or Blood, Sweat, and Pixels if you want the real story behind game development. Each of these books stands on its own even if you’ve never played the associated game.
#Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to play the game before reading the book?
Not for the best ones. Halo: The Fall of Reach, The Witcher series, and BioShock: Rapture all work as standalone novels. The game adds context, but the books provide everything you need.
Are video game books considered “real” literature?
The best ones absolutely hold up as genre fiction. The Witcher series by Sapkowski won multiple literary awards in Poland before the games existed. Halo and BioShock novels are published by major imprints.
Where can I buy these books?
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and most bookstores carry the popular titles. Many are also available as audiobooks on Audible and as ebooks on Kindle. Used copies of older titles run $3-8.
Are there video game books for kids?
Yes. The Minecraft novelization series by Max Brooks is appropriate for ages 10+. The Pokemon Adventures manga series works for readers 8 and older. Both are widely available.
How long are most video game novels?
Most run 300-400 pages, which is standard for genre fiction. The Witcher series is longer, with each book averaging 350-450 pages across 8 novels.
Are there upcoming video game books worth waiting for?
Publishers regularly announce new titles tied to upcoming game releases. Halo, Assassin’s Creed, and World of Warcraft all have active book series with new entries released yearly.
What’s the best non-fiction book about gaming?
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by Jason Schreier is the consensus pick. It covers 10 game development stories in detail, from indie hits like Stardew Valley to AAA blockbusters like Destiny, and reads like investigative journalism rather than a Wikipedia summary.
Can I read these on a Kindle or e-reader?
Yes. Every book mentioned in this guide is available as an ebook. Most are $7-12 on Kindle, often cheaper than the physical edition.