Bitmap Books’ Founder Sam Dyer Discusses Nostalgia, Growth, and Preservation in Gaming Publishing

Bitmap Books’ Founder Sam Dyer Discusses Nostalgia, Growth, and Preservation in Gaming Publishing Founded in 2014 by Sam Dyer, Bitmap Books has carved out a respected place within the world of retro gaming collectibles by offering meticulously crafted books that chronicle and celebrate video game history.

Known for its elegantly designed coffee table volumes, Bitmap Books has partnered with industry giants like Sega, SNK, and Atari to bring iconic franchises – such as King of Fighters and Metal Slug – into the spotlight for new and old fans alike. Speaking recently to GamesIndustry.biz, Sam Dyer, the founder and creative force behind Bitmap Books, shared valuable perspectives on the company’s ethos of authenticity, its measured approach to business growth, and its vital work in media preservation.

Reflecting on his motivations, Dyer explained, “Bitmap started from my personal desire to create products I genuinely wanted to own—items that evoke my own childhood memories.” From its inception, Bitmap Books’ unique outlook has set it apart in a field often saturated with nostalgia-driven products.

Dyer expressed caution about over-reliance on nostalgic themes, noting the term has taken on negative connotations due to commercial exploitation.

He emphasized that Bitmap’s mission is rooted in genuine passion rather than nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake, and aims to offer fans thoughtfully developed products they would be proud to own. Dyer also revealed his aspirations for Bitmap Books’ future.

After ten years of success and with a small, dedicated team, the company publishes around three major books per year.

While the possibility of expansion has been considered, Dyer prefers a steady, sustainable tempo.

He remarked that scaling up too rapidly can risk losing the authenticity and anticipation that fans associate with each new release.

“If we released a new book every month, both our team and our customers might become fatigued.

Publishing three books a year gives each release the attention it deserves and maintains that sense of excitement,” he explained. Among their many achievements, a highlight for Dyer is seeing each book preserved in the British Library—a testament to the company’s impact on the broader project of video game preservation.

“Knowing that every book we produce is archived at the British Library is a meaningful form of preservation for our industry.

Alongside other publishers, we’re committed to ensuring the history of games is documented and remembered,” Dyer stated.

Notably, Bitmap’s volumes on properties like King of Fighters and Metal Slug have connected deeply with fans of SNK’s most beloved games. Dyer also shared his ambition to collaborate with legendary Japanese developer Nintendo, describing such a project as a long-held dream.

While discussions have yet to happen, the prospect of producing officially licensed books exploring Nintendo’s illustrious intellectual properties remains a pinnacle goal for the company. As Bitmap Books continues its journey, it stands out for its restrained approach to growth, commitment to quality over quantity, and dedication to preserving gaming history in print.

These values ensure that Bitmap Books remains both a guardian of video game heritage and a trusted name among retro enthusiasts and the wider gaming community.

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