Game of X v.2: The Long Road to Xbox from Focal Press is the story that leads up to Xbox. It is a story of DOS games, Microsoft culture, the crazy stories around the development and promotion of DirectX and the graphics standards that were required for Xbox to happen. Stories based on dozens of interviews include a colorful cast of characters and some solid technical background. The history of games for DOS and the initial challenges of Windows, the surprising source of the earliest Windows games, and much, much more. This is the fascinating prequel to Game of X v.1: Xbox.

Author: Rusel DeMaria    Softcover, 358 Pages    Publisher: Routledge Taylor & Francis    1st Edition, Published October 2018

• Game of X v.2 is the story that leads up to Xbox. It is a story of DOS games, Microsoft culture, the crazy stories around the development and promotion of DirectX and the graphics standards that were required for Xbox.
• The history of games for DOS and the initial challenges of Windows, the surprising source of the earliest Windows games, and much, much more.
• This is the fascinating follow-up to the original Game of X v.1: Xbox.
• Stories based on dozens of interviews include a colorful cast of characters and some solid technical background.

• Part I: The Long Path to Xbox
  • Looking Back
  • Microsoft Always Had Games
  • Microsoft Culture
  • The Developer Relations Group
  • Windows Gets Gamed
  • Windows: Path to Dominance
  • The Other Face of the DRG
  • The Disruptor
• Part II: Talking to the Metal
  • The Importance of Graphics
  • The Games Division
  • Pitfalls for Christmas
  • The Manhattan Project
  • 3D Wars
  • Start Me Up
  • Judgement Day
  • The Millionaire Club
  • Japan
  • Bunnygate
  • Judment Day II
  • Reorgs
  • Taking On the Internet
  • DirectX Media
  • Escalating the Graphics War
  • The OpenGL Letters--Part 1
    • Multimedia Retreat
    • The End of Talisman.
  • The OpenGL Letters--Part 2
    • Facing The Man
    • Chrome--Plan B
    • Culture Changes

Rusel DeMaria is the author or co-author of more than sixty books, most of them in the gaming field, including Myst: The Official Strategy Guide, which sold more than 1.2 million copies, as well as one of the most comprehensive histories of the industry, High Score! The Illustrated History of Electronic Games. He founded and served as creative director for the most successful strategy guide publishing imprint in the industry and is a former senior editor and columnist for several national video game magazines.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Does this tripod have more than one leg angle lock?

A: The Oben CTT-1000L Carbon Fiber Tabletop Tripod (Long)has a 3 angle leg adjustment.

Q: 2. Is the TMA38CL just a slightly longer version of the TMA38C?

A: Yes, the TMA38CL is 8 longer than the now discontinued TMA38C.

Q: 3. Which rrs/Gitzo leveling head can be attached instead of the tripod plate?

A: This Gitzo SYSTEMATIC 75mm Bowl Head Adapter for Series 2, 3, and 4 Tripods is compatible with the Gitzo GT4543LS Systematic Series 4 Carbon Fiber Tripod (Long). https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/898106-REG On the Gitzo 75mm bowl adapter you can add this Gitzo GSLVLS Leveling Base for Systematic Tripods https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1286949-REG

Q: 4. Can I replace one of the legs on this tripod. Mine is stuck and wont unscrew.Not sure if some sand got stuck in it. Can I order a replacement and where? Thanks

A: It is easy to remove a single leg by removing the hex screw at the top. Presumably it is possible to get a single leg replacement direct from Gitzo.If it is just the telescope part of the leg that is stuck it may be possible to loosen it with liberal use of penetrating oil such as WD40 or Lusol, then apply a reasonable amount of force to undo the locking collar. James

Q: 5. What is the difference between gt2542 and gt3542 tripods?

A: The series 3 tripods are stronger and support more weight. The gt2542 goes two inches taller when fully opened. Gitzo GT3542 weighs a bit more because the legs are thicker and stronger but it does fold almost an inch smaller than the Gitzo GT2542.

Q: 6. Looking to use this for backpacking, so size and weight are critical.. Do the weight and folded length shown (1.1 lb and 15 inches) correspond to the complete tripod including the ball head? If so, any idea of the weight and length of the legs with the head removed?

A: The weight and folded length shown does take the ball head into account. Although Oben does not publish the load capacity of this tripod without the ball head, the legs measure 12.1 inches without the ball head attached.

Q: 7. What is the widest diameter of the tripod at the top mount?

A: The widest diameter atop is 3 3/4".

Q: 8. Will the Gitzo Series 3 lay almost flat for shooting close to the ground?

A: The Gitzo GT3533LS Systematic Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod (Long) has a minimum height as low as 4.3 inches.

Q: 9. What are some examples of ball heads that would be great with this tripod?

A: Oben BE-117 Ball Head Really Right Stuff BH-40 Ball Head Leofoto LH-40 Low Profile Ball Head Sirui K-20x Ball Head Benro B2 Double Action Ball Head

Q: 10. Does the Gitzo Center Column Bubble Level GLEVEL1 or GLEVEL2 fit on this tripod, too? I can't find any specific bubble level for series 3.Thank you, Philip

A: No, sorry neither will fit on a 3 series gitzo. If you need a bubble level, I would recommend one that attaches to the hotshoe of your camera.