Introducing The Cheat Code Compendium, a comprehensive new book chronicling the rise and fall of tips, tricks, secret codes and cheat devices. Created by Todd Hays (co-founder of InterAct Accessories), this exciting new project will tell the absolutely wild and totally true story of the most iconic, infamous and legendary cheat codes of all time. Experience the full story of the GameShark and Game Genie from the people calling the shots, all while taking a deep dive into the magazines that turned cheating into a monthly addiction. If you ever used a warp pipe in Super Mario Bros., spawned cars in Grand Theft Auto or memorized the Konami code, then the Cheat Code Compendium is for you!


What makes The Cheat Code Compendium different from the countless other books about video game history is that I'm currently writing the stories and features that will be included in the book. After 25 years of running Defunct Games, this is my opportunity to craft a book around a topic I love and create something truly unique and special. Best of all, I will be joined by some of the best writers and video game historians working today, along with major industry players who can't wait to pull back the curtain on the history of cheat codes and cheat devices.

Pre-order the book right now through Kickstarter!

Over the coming days and weeks, we'll be announcing a list of contributors, stretch goals and directions we intend to take the book. We'll also be introducing a full archive where you can look back through all of GameShark's most outrageous and over-the-top advertisements. Future updates about the book will be featured here on the website, along with the Defunct Games YouTube channel.

If you have pitches for the book, want to contribute or have questions regarding the pre-order campaign, please reach out through email or Discord. We would also love to talk about The Cheat Code Compendium on your podcast.

Thank you for supporting Defunct Games and this exciting new project.