Behind the Scenes of the Video Game Industry

Storytelling, Power Dynamics, and Myth

Inbunden, Engelska, 2026

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Behind-the-Scenes of the Video Game Industry explores the untold 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 they often reinforce the existing professional hierarchies by shining the spotlight on those who are already at the top. Which roles, however, are further 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.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2026-08-17
Mått156 x 234 x undefined mm
FormatInbunden
SpråkEngelska
SerieGames and Play
Antal sidor176
FörlagPallas Publications
ISBN9789048573202

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Table of ContentsIntroductionThe State of Video Game IndustriesTheoretical Framework and MethodologyStructure of the BookAcknowledgmentsBibliographyPart A: Frameworks and Foundations1. Theory of Industrial StorytellingA Quick Note on Authorship TheoryParatextualityIndustrial Reflexivity, Para-Industry, and the Shadow AcademyAudiences, Production Trivia, and Production LiteracyBibliography2. Production Realities and ReflectionsGame Development Roles and Team CompositionClaiming Individual AuthorshipAuthorship Terminologies and Cinematic RemediationConclusions and AlternativesBibliography3. The Many Voices of Industrial StorytellingThe Figurative Line and its Relevance for the Video Game IndustryCorporate ReflexivityAbove-the-Line ReflexivityBelow-the-Line ReflexivityCompeting Agendas in Industrial ReflexivityBibliographyPart B: Practices4. Making-of Materials: Promotion and CommodificationPromotion: Stray Gods’ Making-of as Promotable FactsCommodification: Art BooksConclusions: Selling a StoryBibliography5. The Game of the YearCultural Awards as Industrial ReflexivityGame Awards and PrizesThe Game Awards: AnalysisThe Game Awards as a Venue for Industrial ReflexivityBibliographyConclusion: Dispelling Myths of Industrial StorytellingHarmful versus HelpfulObfuscation versus TransparencyProduction “Magic”People versus BrandsIdealization and Vilification of Video Game CompaniesPassion DiscourseHow to Change the Unsustainable Status QuoBibliographyIndex