Joysticks to Haptics

Lost In Cult is an independent book publisher and design studio based in the United Kingdom dedicated to celebrating video games as a culturally significant art form. Lost In Cult puts the industry’s best writers and artists in conversation with the medium’s most important works and creators to examine their rich, often-overlooked history. With a dual emphasis on long-form prose and bespoke artwork, Lost In Cult challenges curiously-minded games enthusiasts to consider the field differently, exploring themes and ideas which conceptualise both perennial classics and overlooked gems through contemporary lenses.

Praise for Lost in Cult's Joysticks to Haptics:"Just like Lost in Cult’s previous publications – A Handheld History and The Console Chronicles – the book weaves together research (with help from Embracer Games Archive) and personal experiences that paint a broader picture of how gaming controllers have influenced our culture and us as individuals. It doesn’t just tell you that the Quadstick and JoyBall were made specifically for disabled gamers – it tells you about them from the perspective of someone who lost movement in their fingers and wanted a way back into their favourite hobby.” – TheGamer.comPraise for Lost in Cult's A Handheld History:“It would make a welcome addition to any old-school handheld fan's bookshelf or coffee table.” – Gamespot“The book offers plenty of visual stimuli. From vintage poster design and retro illustrations to satisfying breakdowns of console hardware, there is something inspiring for everyone.” – Creative Review"Each piece encapsulates the feelings of joy and playfulness that come with portable gaming, whether it’s trading Pokémon with your mates on the school bus or exploring vast worlds on a tiny matrix screen from the sanctuary of your bed.” – Thumbsticks"As someone who grew up near-exclusively on handheld gaming, seeing the personal stories, anecdotes and a timeline of the medium played out in one unique and weighty book was enough to bring a tear to my eye.” – GGRecon“This book lays out a timeline of handheld gaming since the beginning, with vibrant displays showcasing each device and their impact. The release serves not only as a collection of history, but also a study of aesthetics over the years.” – Screenrant“A Handheld History offers a new and personalised perspective on gaming history, and opens up significantly more space for intellectual conversations surrounding gaming in the traditional sphere.” – TheGamer