Henk Rogers, the man behind Tetris' global success, has released a book titled The Perfect Game, aiming to set the record straight on the game's history. Rogers was inspired to write the book after reading the script for the Tetris movie, which he felt misrepresented the true story of how Tetris became a global phenomenon.

Rogers' book is not just a response to the movie, but a comprehensive account of his life and career in the gaming industry. The Perfect Game starts with Rogers' early life, detailing his experiences growing up in the Netherlands, New York City, and Hawaii, before eventually landing in Japan, where he founded Bullet-Proof Software and released the influential RPG The Black Onyx. The book provides fascinating insights into the early days of game development, including the challenges of dealing with publishers and funding, as well as releasing and marketing a game in Japan without speaking Japanese.

The book's central focus, however, is on Rogers' journey to bring Tetris to the global market. He recounts his experience at CES in 1988, where he discovered the puzzle game about falling blocks and knew immediately that he had found something special. Rogers' account of navigating the complex web of copyright laws in the Soviet Union, dealing with Nintendo legends like Shigeru Miyamoto, and working with Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov is a detailed and engaging one.

Rogers wrote the book entirely from memory, but did consult with Pajitnov on certain details, which resulted in a charming feature of the book: Pajitnov's thoughts are inserted throughout, often disagreeing with Rogers on small details. This adds a layer of authenticity and humor to the narrative.

The Perfect Game is not just a story about Tetris, but a comprehensive account of Rogers' career, covering the entirety of his experiences in the gaming industry. The book provides valuable insights into pivotal points in the medium, from the launch of the Game Boy to the early days of mobile gaming.

Tetris continues to thrive, with the game still appearing in unexpected places, such as Nintendo's new music app. Rogers has largely stepped away from the business, which is now run by his daughter Maya. When he sees the game pop up somewhere new, he feels a sense of pride and success, knowing that his daughter is carrying on his legacy.

Rogers has also come to appreciate the Tetris movie, despite its initial inaccuracies. He describes the film as "emotionally correct," even if it didn't get all the facts right. The movie's emotional resonance was enough to move Rogers to tears, even if the events depicted didn't entirely align with his own experiences.

The release of The Perfect Game is a significant event in the world of gaming, providing a firsthand account of one of the most iconic games of all time. Rogers' story is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation, and serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the gaming industry.