Beat 'Em Up Volume 1 Launches After Legal Hurdles: A Definitive Genre Retrospective from Pixels and Polygons

Pixels and Polygons, an independent publisher known for its in-depth retrospectives on gaming history, has officially launched Beat 'Em Up Volume 1: The Unofficial History of the Genre.

This long-anticipated book, created by author Darren Hupke, is now available for purchase following a careful reworking to ensure its legal compliance and smooth release.

Originally funded through a Kickstarter campaign in January 2025, Beat 'Em Up Volume 1 set out to chronicle the iconic Final Fight series by Capcom, diving deep into its legacy and influence on the beat 'em up genre.

The Kickstarter campaign quickly met its funding goal of $2,000, amassing over $5,000 from 95 backers.

However, once the campaign concluded, Pixels and Polygons faced a significant challenge when legal concerns arose regarding the use of intellectual property within the book.

In a statement on social media at the time, Pixels and Polygons founder Darren Hupke explained: "I cannot proceed with the project as originally planned due to notification about IP concerns, and wish to avoid any legal complications.

My intention is to rework the book so it meets all requirements for a lawful release." Hupke also assured backers that no funds would be collected and expressed hope to revive the project once its legal standing was secure. After months of revisions, Beat 'Em Up Volume 1 is now on sale with notable changes, including its updated title—now focused on the genre as a whole—and revised cover art.

The new edition removes several screenshots to address copyright issues, instead centering on original analysis and historical insights from Hupke and a select group of guest contributors. The 260-page book takes readers through ten engaging chapters, exploring major franchises such as Final Fight and Streets of Rage.

Topics include development histories, narrative summaries, character biographies, maps, classic reviews, and discussions of regional variations, providing a comprehensive look at what makes these games beloved by fans.

Hupke, who previously authored the 32 Bit Library series, ensures the book is both accessible and meticulously researched, underscoring his passion as a lifelong enthusiast of the beat 'em up genre. Beat 'Em Up Volume 1 is available to order directly from the Pixels and Polygons website, where fans can choose between a softcover version ($39.99) and a hardcover edition ($59.99).

For international readers, the book is accessible via Amazon.

As the first volume in a planned series, future entries are expected to further explore legendary franchises and provide deeper context for the evolution of beat 'em ups throughout gaming history. For ongoing updates and to support future projects, follow Pixels and Polygons and Darren Hupke on BlueSky and other social media platforms.

Kickstarter Pixels and Polygons Darren Hupke Beat 'Em Up Volume 1 Final Fight Streets of Rage Capcom Amazon