1st Edition
Behind the Scenes of the Video Game Industry Storytelling, Power Dynamics, and Myth
Table of Contents
Introduction
The State of Video Game Industries
Theoretical Framework and Methodology
Structure of the Book
Acknowledgments
Bibliography
Part I: Frameworks and Foundations
1. Theory of Industrial Storytelling
A Quick Note on Authorship Theory
Paratextuality
Industrial Reflexivity, Para-Industry, and the Shadow Academy
Audiences, Production Trivia, and Production Literacy
Bibliography
2. Production Realities and Reflections
Game Development Roles and Team Composition
Claiming Individual Authorship
Authorship Terminologies and Cinematic Remediation
Conclusions and Alternatives
Bibliography
3. The Many Voices of Industrial Storytelling
The Figurative Line and Its Relevance for the Video Game Industry
Corporate Reflexivity
Above-the-Line Reflexivity
Below-the-Line Reflexivity
Competing Agendas in Industrial Reflexivity
Bibliography
Part II: Practices
4. Making-of Materials: Promotion and Commodification
Promotion: Stray Gods’ Making-of as Promotable Facts
Methodological Sidenote: Stray Gods
Commodification: Art Books
Methodological Sidenote: Art Books
Conclusions: Selling a Story
Bibliography
5. The Game of the Year
Cultural Awards as Industrial Reflexivity
Game Awards and Prizes
The Game Awards: Analysis
The Game Awards as a Venue for Industrial Reflexivity
Bibliography
Conclusion: Dispelling Myths of Industrial Storytelling
Harmful versus Helpful
Obfuscation versus Transparency
Production “Magic”
People versus Brands
Idealization and Vilification of Video Game Companies
Passion Discourse
How to Change the Unsustainable Status Quo
Bibliography
Index
Biography
Jan Švelch is a researcher at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University, Czechia. His research interests include game production studies, video game voice acting, industrial reflexivity, paratextuality, and analog games. He co-edited Game Production Studies (2021, with Olli Sotamaa).
