Review of Power Up:: Unlocking the hidden mathematics in video games

Abstract

Video games provide entertainment to those who play them. This book looks at the hidden mathematics behind video games. It is meant for all those who love playing video games, so that they may explore mathematical ideas in the games. It is also aimed at mathematics teachers for inspiring their students, and for all those who love mathematics and games. Even those who hate mathematics but love video games are also a part of the target audience of this book. However, this particular category of readers needs at least some familiarity with high school mathematics to benefit from the book. The author states that many people enjoy playing computer / video games but few would be indulging themselves in doing some math. He terms this a consequence of poor marketing of mathematics since time immemorial. The main purpose of the book is to highlight that mathematics can be fun and that it can be found even in the most unbelievable or unexpected places such as in computer games.