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About this book

Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start. The Konami Code is the most famous secret in gaming history. In "God Mode," gaming journalist Max Ryder explores our obsession with breaking the rules. Ryder traces the evolution of cheats from developer debug tools (left in by accident) to the Game Genie era, and finally to the toxic industry of modern aimbots and wallhacks in competitive shooters. The book dives into the psychology: Why do we cheat in single-player games? (Power fantasy, skipping the grind). Why do we cheat in multiplayer? (Narcissism, trolling). Ryder interviews cheat developers who sell subscriptions to hackers, earning millions in a shadow economy. "God Mode" also asks ethical questions: Is looking up a guide cheating? Is modding cheating? It is a fascinating look at the players who refuse to play the game as intended, seeking to become the gods of the virtual world.