Behind the Scenes of the Video Game Industry

Behind the Scenes of the Video Game Industry explores the stories behind video game production. It investigates how behind-the-scenes narratives and making-of materials are shaped by power dynamics within the video game industry, and how they often reinforce the existing professional hierarchies by shining the spotlight on those who are already at the top. Which roles, however, are undervalued? How are crunch and other problematic work practices normalized and obscured to both the industry practitioners and the public?

This book builds on concepts of paratextuality and the growing field of production studies to offer a critical framework for the analysis of industrial storytelling and reflexivity, supported by empirical case studies on art books, game awards, and promotional materials. Readers will gain insights into how these narratives influence the video game industry’s status quo, making it an essential resource for understanding the hidden forces shaping game production.

This book is relevant to students and scholars interested in video games, media, film, or more broadly cultural industries. It can also be helpful for video game developers and aspiring game makers by showing the impact of behind-the-scenes materials on the current status quo of the video game industry.