In an age when publishers worry about the ways technology is chipping away at the print market, Hillel Italie discusses one instance in which a video game has created a new market for one publisher (http://www.usnews.com/news/entertainment/articles/2014/09/03/minecraft-now-publishing-sensation).
Since last November, Solastic, Inc. has published a series of illustrated guides for the video game Minecraft: "Minecraft: Essential Handbook," "Minecraft: Redostone Handbook" and Minecraft: Construction Handbook." Six million copies have already been sold. The guides are all priced under $10. An additional guide, "Minecraft:Combat Handbook" is due out in late September, with a boxed set slated for October.
The books are being lauded for their ability to get children to read, an increasingly difficult task. Moreover, the manuals foster analytical skills and allow kids to use what they have learned as they play the game.
A big advantage for the publisher is that the guides are know and desired quantities. The popularity of the game has served as adequate marketing for the guide, increasing revenue potential. Booksellers have reported that sales of the guides have been very high, without the need for promotion.
Since last November, Solastic, Inc. has published a series of illustrated guides for the video game Minecraft: "Minecraft: Essential Handbook," "Minecraft: Redostone Handbook" and Minecraft: Construction Handbook." Six million copies have already been sold. The guides are all priced under $10. An additional guide, "Minecraft:Combat Handbook" is due out in late September, with a boxed set slated for October.
The books are being lauded for their ability to get children to read, an increasingly difficult task. Moreover, the manuals foster analytical skills and allow kids to use what they have learned as they play the game.
A big advantage for the publisher is that the guides are know and desired quantities. The popularity of the game has served as adequate marketing for the guide, increasing revenue potential. Booksellers have reported that sales of the guides have been very high, without the need for promotion.