ABSTRACT

Surviving Game School speaks about what to expect in a top game design or game development college program, and what to expect once students get out. Making games is not at all the same as playing games. Uncommonly blunt, the book reveals the rigors – and the joys – of working in this industry. Along the way the book touches on themes of time management, creativity, teamwork, and burnout. The authors explore the impact working in the game industry can have on personal relationships and family life. The book closes with advice about life’s goals and building and keeping a sensible balance between work and everything else.

chapter 1|9 pages

High School

chapter 2|9 pages

Paralyzed by a Plethora of Possibilities

chapter 3|4 pages

Before You Start College…

chapter 4|5 pages

Day One

chapter 5|7 pages

Year One

chapter 6|14 pages

Teamwork, Part One

chapter 7|19 pages

The Roles in Building a Game

chapter 8|11 pages

Year Two

chapter 9|7 pages

Becoming a Professional

chapter 10|5 pages

San Francisco (and LA) Bound

chapter 11|7 pages

Year Three

chapter 12|9 pages

Internships and Co-ops

chapter 13|8 pages

Year Four

chapter 14|2 pages

Graduation Day

chapter 15|10 pages

Transitions

chapter 16|13 pages

The Hiring Process

chapter 17|6 pages

Your First Gig

chapter 18|4 pages

A Day in the Life

chapter 19|4 pages

Teamwork, Part Two

chapter 20|5 pages

Crunch Time

chapter 21|4 pages

The Postmortem

chapter 22|4 pages

Your First Promotion

chapter 23|6 pages

The Pink Slip

chapter 24|4 pages

Going Off the Rails

chapter 25|5 pages

A Continuing History of Change

chapter 26|10 pages

Going It Alone

chapter 27|9 pages

The Exploding Gig Economy

chapter 28|6 pages

There Is More to Life Than Games