Power Play Releases in North America

The non-fiction book titled Power Play: Video Games, Politics, and the Battle for Global Influence, authored by George E. Osborn, officially launched in the North American market on July 21, 2026. Published by Prometheus, the work examines the intersection of video games, contemporary politics, and global power dynamics. The primary thesis posits that video games have evolved into significant, yet under-examined, political arenas that influence modern societal expectations regarding free speech, civil rights, and international relations.

The book has garnered critical attention from various industry experts, academics, and writers, who characterize it as an essential analysis of how digital gaming networks have become politically consequential. Notable endorsements highlight the author’s argument that political entities, particularly those on the right, have been more effective than their counterparts in leveraging the influence of gaming culture. Furthermore, the text explores the role of games in shaping major historical and political events, positioning them as the modern equivalent of historical coffee houses for discourse and influence.

The release covers the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, with availability through major online retailers and physical bookstores. To support the launch, the author scheduled promotional appearances and book signings in New York City, specifically at the Games for Change Festival and the Thriving in Games Group’s Digital Salon. The book has also received recognition from Amazon’s editorial team, which selected it as a top non-fiction pick for the month of July 2026.