Trigger Happy (book)

Trigger Happy: The Inner Life of Video Games is a 2000 non-fiction book by Steven Poole. It explores the aesthetics and cultural significance of video games, arguing for their artistic merit and examining their influence on modern society. Poole analyzes various aspects of video game design, including gameplay mechanics, narrative structures, and visual style, drawing comparisons to art forms such as film, literature, and painting. He also considers the criticisms often leveled against video games, such as their alleged promotion of violence and addiction, offering counter-arguments and alternative perspectives. The book aims to provide a serious and nuanced examination of video games as a complex and increasingly important cultural phenomenon.