Developed by Ubisoft Sofia and released in 2007 for PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS, Chessmaster: The Art of Learning is a strategy and educational title built around the teachings of Josh Waitzkin, an eight-time National Chess Champion and two-time martial arts World Champion. The game draws from Waitzkin's book of the same name, framing chess instruction within a broader philosophy of long-term learning and personal growth. Players work through pivotal moments from Waitzkin's career, including the celebrated climactic game from the film and book Searching for Bobby Fischer, while also studying classic matches from historically significant players. Throughout, Waitzkin provides detailed commentary aimed at beginners, covering fundamental techniques alongside more reflective lessons about the process of developing mastery. The result is a chess title that functions simultaneously as an introduction to the game and an exploration of how expertise is built over time.
Josh Waitzkin's much-anticipated book The Art of Learning (Free Press) is designed to pave the road to successful long-term growth on and off the chessboard. The eight-time National Chess Champion and two-time martial arts World Champion puts users in his shoes in some of the most riveting and formative moments of his chess career, including the legendary climactic game from the book and film Searching for Bobby Fischer. Waitzkin then turns to the classics, introducing beginners to brilliant games from some of the most important players in the history of chess. In his most revealing commentary ever, Waitzkin not only teaches the beginning chess player the fundamentals of the game, but also humanizes the road to mastery. Never has chess been so exciting.
