THE PROCESS OF WRITING THIS BOOK WAS A TALE UNTO ITSELF. AND UNFORTUNATELY, it wasn’t always a very pleasant one. For that reason, I am particularly indebted to three people: Alex Glass (my agent), who always fought for me and the quality of what often seemed like a never-ending book; Julian Rosenberg (my manager), whose enthusiasm gave me the confidence to keep following my vision; and Matthew Daddona (my editor), who was brought onboard late in the game and then delivered a John Franco–like performance for the ages.
In addition to that trio, I’m also especially indebted to Dey Street and HarperCollins. Given how the scope of this book evolved, it would have been very easy to just say thanks-but-no-thanks. But you stuck with me every step of the way—always in service of putting out the best book possible—and then topped it all with incredible support from publicity and marketing, as well as a world-class effort from your tireless production team (to whom I owe a big apology for all those last-minute additions and tweaks).
Speaking of apologies: no one deserves a bigger one than my wife, Katie. I’m sorry—so genuinely sorry—for all the times I said the book was “almost done” and then turned out to be very wrong. I’m grateful for your patience, your love, and your friendship; and in so many ways, and for so many reasons, this book wouldn’t exist without you.
Similarly, I’m grateful for the love and just-a-phone-call-away support of my parents, my brother, and my grandmother—each of whom bucked the trend this time around and actually read the chapters I shared with them in advance!—as well as the love, support, and family-style banter of AL, UC, JC, and HC; Uncle Brad, Aunt Erica, Tyler, and Amelie; Itchy Sander (aka “Super Kitty”) and everyone in the DeLarber family who came through for Katie and me when we really, truly needed you most. Unfortunately, my favorite member of the DeLarber family (sorry, Uncle Tim) is no longer with us; but even though she won’t ever get the chance to read this book, her relentless kindness forever impacted me; no doubt impacting the words in this book, as well as anything else I may write in my career. Thank you, Judy. Thank you so much.
I’d also like to thank all the friends and fellow writers who read material, provided feedback, or talked out story issues with me throughout the process of writing this book. Specifically: Gordon Bellamy, Josh Benedek, Nick Bilton, Jay Carlisle, Aaron Couch, Noah Davis, Grant DeSimone, Joe Durbin, David Ewalt, Billy Gallagher, Heather Gilchrist, Rick Gershman, Ash Heritage, Tom Kalinske, Dan Kim, Josh Kleinman, Ellen Beth Knapp, Jon Lajoie, JJ Maguire, Matty McFeely, Dave McGrath, Brian Nathanson, Josh Pincus, Cheryl Quiroz, Michael Quiroz (bonus points for first connecting me with Oculus!), Adam Raff, Nick Robalik, Alex Rubens, Jeff Ryan, Paul Scheer, Peter Sciretta, Eric Silver, Jordan Sternlieb, Jonah Tulis, Dave Waldman, and Brianna Wu.
Last, I want to thank those who lived this story. Not just for giving me great material to work with; and not just for giving me so much of your time and trust to help me tell this story; but—no matter the fate of virtual reality—I want to thank you all for the passion, patience, and sacrifice it took to try and resurrect a technology that was supposed to be long since dead.