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bookph1le's review
4.0
This was a fascinating read for a lifelong gamer like me, even though I haven't played every game discussed in the book. I've been let down by some recent releases not covered in the book, and having an insider's view as to why other releases were disastrous gave me a lot of insight into possible causes, and it gave me a new appreciation for how challenging game design is. I was always willing to wait a little longer to get a good final product, but now I'm even more willing, and I will likely be a lot more tolerant of bugs. Working in the games industry sounds harrowing, and reading this truly did make me amazed that games ever get made at all, considering the complexities both economic and technological.
Also, I will never, ever again give credence to any game trailers or gameplay demos that come out of E3. Ever.
Also, I will never, ever again give credence to any game trailers or gameplay demos that come out of E3. Ever.
queenoferebor's review
5.0
How video games are made...by normalizing modern-day slavery in the name of (digital) art.
Everything in the video game industry is solved by crunching, but crunching shouldn't even be an option. The fact that CD Projekt Red is an exeception when it comes to paying overtime is worrying. This industry is built on workers working for months without being paid; while this book showcases this problem, it does little to offer solutions or even crticise this practice. I found the different development stories very interesting, but I would have liked a bit more of self-criticism from the industry. It just looks like they've resigned themselves to work in conditions that shouldn't be allowed in the 21st century in a leading industry.
Everything in the video game industry is solved by crunching, but crunching shouldn't even be an option. The fact that CD Projekt Red is an exeception when it comes to paying overtime is worrying. This industry is built on workers working for months without being paid; while this book showcases this problem, it does little to offer solutions or even crticise this practice. I found the different development stories very interesting, but I would have liked a bit more of self-criticism from the industry. It just looks like they've resigned themselves to work in conditions that shouldn't be allowed in the 21st century in a leading industry.
zyjin's review against another edition
The book seems to mostly focus on glorifying the practice of hustle in the game industry, which I wasn't a huge fan of
cheyrohm's review
informative
medium-paced
3.0
Each chapter tells the story of how a different video game was dreamed up and built out. I enjoyed it but it made me sad for the people who make the games we all play and love. So much overworking!! And it's so normalized!! I wish Schreier would have spoken out against that more.