Paperback. For generations of players, cheat codes were a secret handshake. A gateway to extra lives, godlike powers, and hidden worlds. But behind every cheat lies a story of creativity, rebellion, and the ever-shifting line between play and power.I Am Not Good: The History of Cheating in Video Games takes readers on a journey through the evolution of video game cheats, from the days of secret developer codes and the legendary Konami Code, to the Game Genie, god mode glory, and the wild rise of online cheat communities. Along the way, you'll uncover the myths that fooled millions, the legal battles to crush cheating devices, and the strange charm of cheats that did nothing at all (except make everyone's head enormous). Blending nostalgia and cultural insight, this book explores how cheats shaped gaming history. Not as acts of dishonor, but as expressions of curiosity, innovation, and the sheer joy of pushing the limits. After all, sometimes breaking the rules is half the fun.Written by Nate DrakeEdited by Riley MacLeodForeword by Mia ConsalvoCover by Greg Melo This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability.

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Bibliographic Details

Title: I Am Not Good (Paperback)
Publisher: Retro Game Books
Publication Date: 2026
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1966009003
ISBN 13: 9781966009009
Binding: Paperback
Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

For generations of players, cheat codes were a secret handshake. A gateway to extra lives, godlike powers, and hidden worlds. But behind every cheat lies a story of creativity, rebellion, and the ever-shifting line between play and power.

I Am Not Good: The History of Cheating in Video Games takes readers on a journey through the evolution of video game cheats, from the days of secret developer codes and the legendary Konami Code, to the Game Genie, god mode glory, and the wild rise of online cheat communities. Along the way, you'll uncover the myths that fooled millions, the legal battles to crush cheating devices, and the strange charm of cheats that did nothing at all (except make everyone's head enormous). Blending nostalgia and cultural insight, this book explores how cheats shaped gaming history. Not as acts of dishonor, but as expressions of curiosity, innovation, and the sheer joy of pushing the limits. After all, sometimes breaking the rules is half the fun.

Written by Nate Drake
Edited by Riley MacLeod
Foreword by Mia Consalvo
Cover by Greg Melo

About the Authors

Nate Drake is a cybersecurity journalist with a lifelong passion for digital puzzles and retro gaming. When not researching the golden era of gaming, Nate enjoys solving cryptic crosswords, taking brisk walks on the roof of his apartment building, and cultivating fruit and vegetables. Nate has never played Uncharted and has no plans to do so.

Owner of Retro Game Books, former game developer, and human with bad knees.

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