Jacked
by David Kushner · first published 2011
3mentions
1recommended by
3HN commenters
2015–2025first – last mentioned
33% recommend67% neutral
"The book explains how British prep school brothers Sam and Dan Houser took their dream of fame, fortune, and the glamor of American pop culture and transformed it into a worldwide videogame blockbuster. Written by David Kushner, author of Masters of Doom and a top journalist on gaming, and drawn from over ten years of interviews and research, including firsthand knowledge of Grand Theft Auto's creators and detractors. Offers inside details on key episodes in the development of the series, including the financial turmoil of Rockstar games, the infamous "Hot Coffee" sex minigame incident, and m
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…the ones I haven’t seen mentioned here so far The Ultimate History of Video Games - Steven L. Kent - loved this. Sid Meier’s Memoir was good. And not really a must read but I enjoyed David Kushner’s Jacked about the Grand Theft Auto guys.
on “Ask HN: What are some must-read books about video games and gaming history?” ↗There's a book by David Kushner called Jacked[0] about GTA's development. He's also the author of Masters of Doom[1]. [0] http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0007434855 [1] http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0749924896
on “BBC gives children mini-computers in Make it Digital scheme” ↗Jacked: The Unautorised Behind-the-Scenes Story of Grand Theft Auto - David Kushner The Soul of a New Machine - Tracy Kidder
on “Ask HN: What did you read in 2025?” ↗