The book contains eight chapters, and an additional Appendix containing the interviews, spread over 236 pages. The average amount of pages per chapter is 23. Aside from ten large illustrations, the book is text only.
The book can be separated into four large sections. The first section is an introduction to the book, a brief history of the industry, and some facts about it.
The second part basically talks about the "Why". Why would one wish to become active in this industry, or why not. The expectations within it, the pros and cons of being involved in it, the public opinion of it, the salaries, the problems the industry faces, and more. This section also aims to paint a balanced picture of the industry, and to help the reader make a well-informed choice.
The third, and largest, section of the book covers the "How", and in a lesser way also the Why and What. It talks about game development schools, community mods, company types, the kinds of games they produce, portfolios, how to apply to studios, the interview process, and more. For every subject, the reader is presented with the pros and cons so they can make an informed decision, and it also provides plenty of tips and insider knowledge on the subject.
Lastly, the fourth section contains the interviews with 23 industry professionals. All 23 were asked the same three questions: How they started out in the industry, what they like most about it, and what they dislike most about it. The intention of the interviews is to consolidate the responses of a very varied group of professionals. Their responses help support the details discussed in the book by giving the reader an insight on how professionals started in the industry, how much they like it, and the fact that there is also a darker and less pleasant side to the story.
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Table of Contents About This Book The Author Chapter 1 - Introduction
History Chapter 2 - The Industry The Good and the Bad
Why
A Frustrating Industry Chapter 3 - Skills, Schools, and Study Skills Starting Out Specialization
Why?
Game Development Schools - The Good Side Chapter 4 - The Mod Community A Door To The Industry
Why
The Types Chapter 5 - Going "Commercial"
Taking The Step
The Goal
Internships and Junior Positions
Why Freelance
Why The People With Great Ideas Chapter 6 - Companies And Games
Types Of Games Chapter 7 - The Application, Interview, And Contract Applying
The How The Interview
Types
Their Questions Do's and Don'ts The Contract The Necessity Of The Contract Chapter 8 - Once You're Hired... Moving
Why The Expectations
Their Expectations
The Community The Conclusion Appendix A - Interviews Special Thanks Copyright |