
The Complete Handbook of Games
A Practical Reference for Buyers, Operators, and Resellers
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
The definitive practical guide to choosing, running, and profiting from games—from arcade cabinets to tabletop classics.
About this book
The Complete Handbook of Games is the go-to reference for professionals, businesses, and serious enthusiasts who treat games as a serious investment. Written for those who need practical knowledge, this handbook moves beyond the box art and the hype to explain what actually makes a game work, what the specs really mean, and how to make a sound purchasing decision you won't regret. Inside, you'll find a systematic breakdown of game types and configurations, a decision framework for matching a game to your specific operational context, and step-by-step guidance on installation and daily use. The book also tackles the often-ignored subjects of maintenance and troubleshooting, providing clear diagnostic procedures to keep your investment running for years, not months.
For those looking to turn their expertise into revenue, the handbook dedicates a full chapter to business opportunities—covering everything from rental operations and servicing to retail arbitrage and consulting. Finally, it looks ahead to the future of the industry, exploring emerging technologies and market shifts, and points readers to the most valuable expert resources for continued learning. With a detailed FAQ and a practical glossary, this is the one book to keep within arm's reach of any game console, cabinet, or tabletop collection.
Reader Reviews
Rebecca Nelson
★★★★★It's thorough, I'll give it that. The chapter on choosing a game and the maintenance chapter are genuinely useful, and I've already applied some of the troubleshooting steps to my Gyruss cabinet. My main gripe is that the first chapter on understanding games mechanics felt a bit like a college textbook introduction; I skimmed a lot of it to get to the more practical parts. I also wish the brand profiles in chapter six had been more critical instead of just positioning them by price tier. Still, it's a solid desk reference to have around.
Cynthia Allen
★★★★★Finally, a reference book that treats games like the serious equipment they are. I run a bar with a small arcade corner, and the sections on installation specs (especially power draw and cabinet dimensions) and the daily operational checklist have been worth ten times the price. The chapter on business opportunities made me completely reconsider our approach to rentals, and I've started implementing a service contract system with one of the local distros. This book is exactly the kind of practical, no-nonsense resource this industry has been missing.
Cynthia Scott
★★★★★A solid read — recommended.
Steven Williams
★★★★★A solid read — recommended.
Margaret Sanchez
★★★★★A solid read — recommended.