About:
Q: What is this book about?
A: The Games Industry: the pros and cons, how to get in, and what
to avoid.
Q: Why do I want this book?
A: Because it will help you decide whether or not the games industry can offer you the career you are be looking for. It will also help you pick the right company and game for you, aid you in the application process, and help you in what to expect during the recruitment process.
Q: Will the book help me to learn a 3D package, programming
language, or editor?
A: No it will not. There are already plenty of other books out there that focus on explaining how to use software to make something. This book however, focuses entirely on why you would want to learn anything related to game development, and the career possibilities inherent in such knowledge.
Q: What does it cover?
A: The content page, found in the left menu, features a detailed list of everything included. In short, it starts with a short introduction to the industry, continues by discussing the general pros and cons of the industry, and then goes into an in depth examination of the positive and negative aspects of a wide range of subjects such as game development schools and community mods. The second half of the book focuses almost entirely on the actual job application process: how to apply, how to pick the right studio, what to expect during the process and more.
Q: Who is the target audience?
A: Those who are interested in the video game industry, but who are still undecided as to whether or not to pursue a game development career, and those who have already made their decision but are looking for additional information and guidance before plunging in headfirst.
Q: Who are the interviewees?
A: The book features 23 interviews with games industry professionals in different positions, and different tenures. I tried to represent as broad a representation of the industry as possible by including developers from both Europe and North America, beginners and as veterans, programmers and artists, freelancers and people in permanent positions, and developers working on small projects and those who work on large productions.
Q: How do I know if I'll like it?
A: There is an example extract available on the Example page. If you like it, there's a good chance you'll like the entire book.
Q: The book seems to have a lot of emphasis on pros and cons.
Isn't it very opinionated?
A: I tried my best to provide an objective and honest discourse on how the industry works as a whole - its problems, and its advantages. For nearly every negative point, there is a positive point opposing it. I tried hard to write an objective report and leave it up to the reader to decide whether or not this is an industry they wish to join. Also, in my opinion, it is very important to also cover the negative aspects of this industry, as way too many young people look at the industry through rose-colored glasses, or stumble into bad situations because of their blinded enthusiasm.
Technical:
Q: What are the details about the book?
A: The printed edition counts 236 pages, where as the PDF edition contains 184. It contains ten illustrations. The cover is printed in color, while the interior is black and white print.
What is the size and quality of the printed edition?
A: 6" x 9" (15.24cm X 22.86cm), perfect binding, cream interior paper (60# weight), black and white interior ink, white exterior paper (100# weight), full-color exterior ink. The paper,
print and color quality is great and of the quality one would
expect.
Q: What's the difference between the PDF and the printed version?
A: There is no difference apart from the fact that the PDF is obviously a digital version. The PDF contains fewer pages as it uses a larger page size (A4) than the printed version. The content, however, is the same.
Q: How large is the PDF?
A: The PDF is only 1.5 MB large.
Q: Who is the publisher?
A: I am entirely self publishing my own book as an independent
author with the help of my printer, Lulu.com. The printer lulu.com takes on a lot of a traditional publisher's tasks and also handles all orders.
Q: How do I order?
A: Expand the Books menu on the left menu and click on the "Order!" link.
The Printed version can only be ordered directly at Lulu.com, the publisher. It is not available in any store or on other websites. The PDF can either be ordered via Lulu.com, or via E-junkie.com.
Lulu.com has some very extensive FAQ's about their order and print process for those who want more information.
Q: How can I pay?
A: You can pay Lulu.com with either PayPal or with a number of well known credit cards. More info regarding payment can be found in Lulu's extensive FAQ's.
Q: I have no credit card!
A: It's also possible to order it directly through me, especially if it's concerning a PDF copy and if you live in Europe. Contact me for details.
Q: Can I trust you or lulu.com?
A: All orders go directly via Lulu.com. I have nothing to do with
the order, processing, printing, or shipping of the book. Lulu.com
is the largest worldwide print-on-demand company and they have an excellent reputation.
Q: What is the delivery time?
A: Printing the book takes between three and ten days. Shipping
takes between a day to several weeks dependent on where you live
and the shipping method.
Q: I live in "some random country", can the book
be delivered to me?
A: Apart from countries like Sudan and North Korea, Lulu.com delivers books world
wide! Europe and North America are served by Lulu most often and will have the fastest service. More info on delivery estimates can be found
on Lulu.com
Q: Can I order a PDF/print bundle, or a Level Design/Games Industry bundle?
A: Lulu.com currently does not support bundles so no, sorry.
Q: Do I get a discount if I order in bulk?
A: Yes certainly. Bulk orders discounts require a minimum of 26
copies.
Q: There has been a problem with my order or the copy is damaged.
A: Please contact the Lulu.com support service. I personally have
nothing to do with the printing and processing of the book and
therefore cannot help in that regard.
Other questions or problems? Email me at book@Hourences.com