Generation 64 Looks Back at the Commodore 64 Golden Years

Up until now, Sam Dyer and Bitmap Books have been busy creating their very own books based on the Commodore 64, Commodore Amiga, and ZX Spectrum. Now they’ve launched a campaign for something slightly different. They’ve teamed up with Swedish author Jimmy Wilhemsson to crowdfund an English translation of his book, Generation 64 – How the Commodore 64 Inspired a Generation. Since its launch in 2014, European press have provided positive reviews of the book and many clamored for an English language version. If this Kickstarter is successful, then we’ll be given a professional English translation. Judging by all Bitmap Books’ previous campaigns, though, there’s very little chance it won’t be funded.

Generation 64 tells a variety of stories of the people who played on Commodore 64 and realized they could pursue a job in the technology sector. Those who created massive game development companies such as DICE and mobile giant King all share something in common – they grew up with the Commodore 64. While many of us in the United States may not understand this computer obsession in quite the same way, this book still sounds like an interesting read given it covers a wide variety of topics. Even the demoscene community and cracker groups are given their chance in the spotlight.

As with their previous coffee table tomes, Generation 64 will feature some seriously cool page layouts, massive color images, and be hardbound. This book in particular will be 188 pages and include a host of interviews alongside other content. They’re aiming for a goal of approximately $39,058 (converted form Pounds) and are running a half-month campaign instead of the full 30 days. Keep that in mind if you’re interested in backing this book!

Track the progress of the Generation 64 Kickstarter in our Campaign Calendar.