Knoxville Professor’s Book on Red Dead Redemption 2 Becomes Best-Seller
Knoxville, TN – A professor from the University of Tennessee has captured the attention of history buffs and video game enthusiasts alike with his new book, which explores the Old West through the lens of the popular video game, Red Dead Redemption 2. Author Tore Olsson, an associate professor and the director of graduate studies in history at UT, has seen his book, titled Red Dead’s History: A Video Game, an Obsession, and America’s Violent Past, skyrocket in popularity, recently hitting the number one spot on Amazon in multiple categories.
Bridging History and Gaming
Olsson’s book is a unique adaptation of his well-received class called American History through Video Games. The video game, developed by Rockstar Games, is set in the year 1899 and revolves around the character Arthur Morgan, a member of a fictional gang involved in various robberies and outlaw activities across America. As players progress through the game, they encounter diverse landscapes including the West, the Deep South, and Southern Appalachia.
What makes Olsson’s work stand out is how he uses the video game to delve into real historical events and topics related to the different regions depicted in the game. By combining gameplay with factual history, he offers readers a captivating way to understand America’s past.
Launch Event at East Tennessee History Center
On August 15, the East Tennessee History Center hosted an event to celebrate Olsson’s book launch. The event included a discussion with the author and also featured a documentary titled Shooting for an A: Video Games and Education. This short film was produced by UT’s Land Grant Films and highlights Olsson’s class, the creation of the audiobook, and features Roger Clark, the voice actor who portrays Arthur Morgan in the game.
Award-Winning Success
In the weeks surrounding the book’s release, Olsson reported an overwhelming response. He shared that both the audiobook and hardcover editions achieved impressive rankings on Amazon: the audiobook reached number one in the Computer & Video Game Strategy Guides category, while the hardcover soared to the top of the U.S. Civil War History category.
“The past few weeks, leading up to and including the publication week, have been truly unbelievable,” Olsson expressed in an email. He recounted his experience at San Diego Comic-Con, where he spoke to an audience of about 500, alongside his audiobook narrator. “It was a dream come true,” he said, reflecting on the thrill of signing books and connecting with fans who found inspiration in video games and their connection to American history.
Availability of the Book
Olsson’s book is now available for purchase both in stores and online, allowing a wider audience to explore the intersection of video games and history. As he continues to engage with fans and students alike, Olsson is proving that video games can indeed serve as valuable tools for learning about the past.
Getting Involved
For those interested in history, video games, or both, Olsson’s work presents an exciting opportunity to learn. The book is expected to appeal to a diverse array of readers, highlighting how modern technology can be an avenue for understanding historical events.
As the discussion about the relevance of video games in education grows, Olsson’s book may just be paving the way for more innovative approaches to learning about America’s rich and complex history.
