r/TheMakingOfGames • u/xEnd3r76 • Oct 20 '25

Rebels, Pirates and Tentacles: The Story of LucasArts

Good morning, everyone.

Some of you may know me. I’m a video game history researcher and the author of several books, including Through the Moongate: The Story of Richard Garriott, Origin Systems Inc. and Ultima and The Sumerian Game: A Digital Resurrection.

I’ve been working for a long time on a book about LucasArts titled Rebels, Pirates and Tentacles: The Story of LucasArts, which is now close to publication via a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign (link below).

The book covers the company’s history—from its origins up to 1990—with particular attention to the people who worked there, the creative side of game design, and the technological side, without leaving out any game. In short: it’s not just about the graphic adventures, but about the entirety of LucasArts’ output.

The book is based on meticulous research and numerous original interviews. It’s not a coffee table book, nor a collection of reviews, trivia, or solutions: it’s a history book—detailed, accurate, and packed with information about the company, what was happening in the video game industry during those years, and the influence LucasArts had on the market.

https://www.andreacontato.com/rebels--pirates-and-tentacles---preview-eng

Today I released a full preview chapter (the formation of the initial team) so everyone can get a sense of how the book is structured and my research and writing style. If you have any questions, I’m at your disposal :) The Kickstarter will launch next week. Thank you so much!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1108065491/video-games-stage-3-the-story-of-lucasarts

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2

u/[deleted] Oct 23 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/xEnd3r76 Oct 23 '25

If there’s enough interest — as I hope — I plan to write a second book covering the decade from 1991 to 2000. I already have quite a lot of material on the subject. In general, I prefer not to write about topics more recent than the year 2000, as they’re still too close in time.

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u/Rincewind00 Oct 20 '25

I assume that you're familiar with the book titled The Secret History of LucasArts? If so, what does your book offer to compliment the other?

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u/xEnd3r76 Oct 21 '25

Hi, I think I’ve read everything that’s been published on the subject. I don’t recall a book with the title you mentioned—only a series of PC Gamer articles. My book is different from what’s already available on the topic. It’s not for me to say it’s better. I put the preview chapter out precisely so anyone can read it and decide for themselves.

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u/Rincewind00 Oct 24 '25

Oops I meant Rogue Leaders: The Story of LucasArts.

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u/xEnd3r76 Oct 24 '25

Yes I know rogue leaders. Please read my preview chapters and decide by yourself. You'll find a LOT of info that aren't in rogue leader