"Wow - what can I say, but I'm very humbled by all the work everyone has put into this - more than I deserve I reckon." - Rob Hubbard
Today Fusion Retro Books is launching a campaign for pre-orders for the first and only print run of the hardback version of "Master of Magic" - my official softography of Rob Hubbard. The 354-page full colour book is finished, and just needs to be printed before being sent out in August/September and launched at The ZZAP! Live event in Kenilworth in August. If you pre-order the hardback, you also at some point get a lovely e-flip-book version of the book.
This reference book sets new standards in how retro history should be presented, and represents six years of blood, sweat and tears. And research. Lots and lots of research. Covering lots of lots of games. And you get a comprehensive >120Gb collection of chipmusic, videos, remixes, documents, source code, orchestral scores and more.
If you like Rob Hubbard, you absolutely need this book.
If you lived through the 80s and 90s video game scene, this book will bring back a ton of game memories and give you a peek behind the scenes of that incredibly exciting time with gossip and stories.
Click here for the pre-order page
Why Fusion Retro Books?
Fusion Retro Books have a long history of supporting me, the Commodore 64 and much more, and are one of the leaders in retro book publishing. This time they've kindly stepped in to help me reach a lot more C64 fans and to help with the logistics and launch. It also gives customers in the EU a more secure way to receive their book.
Though if you would rather buy the digital version (PDF) from C64Audio.com, here's a link:
Regular digital pre-orders through C64Audio.com
More about the book:
Rob Hubbard changed videogame history forever. He was the Western master of game soundtracks, inspiring the industry and fans alike.
Now Chris Abbott of C64Audio.com brings you the definitive, official, and authorised full-colour illustrated softography that tells his amazing story from 8-bit to 16-bit and beyond.
It's a book that took six years to research and create! Entertaining and accessible yet exhaustively researched this book features all of Rob’s games in order. Dip in to your favourite game or read it back-to-back and experience Rob's incredible musical and technical journey for yourself
Rob himself contributed generously to this book to do history justice! Find out how his driver started, how Weetabix’s legal department change his life, what date he wrote Commando, which game had the craziest SFX, how Rob narrowly missed being a pop star and more.
It’s like you’re looking over Rob’s shoulder as he struggles with early rejection, creates masterpieces such as “Thing on a Spring”, “Monty on the Run” and “Sanxion”, struggles with burnout with “Star Paws” and jets off to a life in the sun with Electronic Arts.
Designed to feel like a classic video game magazine, “Master of Magic” is a feast for the eyes, and gives access to a 120Gb media gallery of videos, recordings, source code, orchestrations and more! Rob’s cupboard is packed with hidden gems!
Each game is covered in depth and chronologically. Each section has info and trivia (often exclusive and from Rob himself), a look at reviews and ports, and accessible technical information so you can follow his driver development. There's even a holy grail technical deep dive at the end of the book!
It’s not just Rob’s story. It’s a compelling and historically important look behind the scenes of ‘80s and ’90s Western gaming.