The $35 Raspberry Pi has made computing cheap again, and now budding game developers are being given the chance to recreate some classic games through a new Pi-focused book called Code the Classics.
As the Raspberry Pi blog explains, the new book has been written and coded by Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton and will be published by the Raspberry Pi Press. The book tells the story behind the development of five classic games from the 1970's, 80's, and 90's, including Bubble Bobble, Centipede, Pong, Sensible Soccer, and Frogger.
Once you know the background and history thanks to the included interviews with the original development teams, there's a chance to code them yourself. The book uses Python and the Pygame Zero library along with simple, type-in code listings of each game. The end result is playable versions running on a Raspberry Pi.
Code the Classics is now available to pre-order for £12 ($16) directly from the Raspberry Pi Press online store. It's a 224-page hardback publication and includes access to everything you need for the games, including art and audio from "two of the 1980s' most prolific games developers." It's also the first of two planned volumes, with the content and release date of the second book still to be determined.
Code the Classics: Volume 1 is set for release on Dec. 13 with orders in the UK guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas if you order by Dec. 17. Other areas of the world will take longer, so pre-ordering gives you the best chance of getting it delivered in time to go under the tree.