Introduction PART I — Foundations Introduction Chapter 1 — Foundations for a Creative Career PART II — The Art & Craft of Game Music Introduction Chapter 2 — Interactive Music 101 Chapter 3— Implementation & Adaptive Scoring Chapter 4 — The Creative Process PART III — The Business of Game Music Introduction Chapter 5 — Composer & Audio Lead Dynamics Chapter 6 — Pitching & Presenting Chapter 7 — Networking Chapter 8 — The Business Infrastructure PART IV — Case Study Chapter 9 — Scoring AAA — Deathloop PART V — Personal Mastery & Growth Introduction Chapter 10 — Personal Mastery Chapter 11 — Mentoring Moments CONCLUSION Chapter 12 — You’re Ready
Biography
Tom Salta is an ASCAP Award-winning composer and BAFTA and World Soundtrack Award nominee with over three decades of experience scoring video games. His credits include Deathloop, The Outlast Trials, Halo, Prince of Persia, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon, and Wolfenstein, as well as the global hit PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS.
"The Long Game has a refreshingly real perspective that can only come from years of hard-earned experience in the trenches of game audio. I found myself nodding my head in agreement too many times to count! What an honest and heartfelt read."
- Jason Graves — Composer (Dead Space, Tomb Raider, Far Cry Primal)
“I love this book. Cover to cover it’s a painfully, yet beautifully realistic look under the hood of one of the most rewarding, challenging and, for outsiders, difficult to understand careers I personally know of. Tom, just like with his stellar compositions, lays out the road ahead in such a skilled and thoughtful manner giving practical advice in just about every scenario imaginable.
As a composer with some experience, I found the sections on the human side of the profession particularly resonant. It’s nice to hear Tom’s stories about dealing with adversity as they mirrored some of my own. At the end of the day, this is mostly a profession done in isolation. Tom makes it feel less so with these pearls of wisdom earned over his long career.
No matter what your place in the industry currently is: wannabe or newbie, to a composer with some experience or even a lot of hard-won experience, this book is for you!”
- Jack Wall — Composer (Call of Duty, Mass Effect)
The Long Game is more than a guide to composing for games. It’s a masterclass in building a creative life that actually lasts. Tom demystifies both the craft and business of game music while grounding it all in mindset, resilience, and purpose. He has left nothing on the table.
This reads like the kind of mentorship many creatives spend years searching for. A reminder that long-term success isn't just about skill, it's about caring for your mental health and staying connected to why you create in the first place.
- Savina Ciaramella — Music Producer / Executive Director, Game Audio Network Guild
"What I appreciate most about Tom's book is that there's something for everyone, regardless of prior experience. The intermediate instruction gets specific about technique and tools of the trade — which will inevitably evolve as technology does. But his advice about attitudes, mentality, and dealing with setbacks, both internal and external, will be relevant forever. I can recommend The Long Game to composers at any stage of their career."
Wilbert Roget II — Composer (Helldivers 2, Star Wars: Outlaws, Call of Duty: WWII)
“The first thing that struck me about Tom’s book is that it’s just like talking with him- the same passionate and charismatic guy who I’ve been lucky to call a friend for 22 years. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything- it’s a clear and honest perspective about a life in music for games from someone who knows his stuff. If you’re looking for some guidance as you embark on your journey, you’ll find it here, with expert strategic advice and wit to spare. As a fellow “long gamer” myself, I can say that you’re in great hands.”
- Jason Hayes, Composer (World of Warcraft)
"As someone who dreamed of becoming a game composer ever since I was 8 years old (and somehow succeeded), I wish this mentorship in book format had been readily available at the very start of my pursuit of this dream. Everything is in here!
From start to finish, you will find something in this book that will help you in your career, whether it be not feeling alone in your emotional struggles, how to find work, or best practices for interactive music. "The Long Game" will work as a guide every step of the way!
Tom has an honest, captivating way of expressing the very essence of this career path - the good with the bad, the persistent mindset that you need, and he guides you through stories and profound insights, drawn from his own experiences and those of many others in the field. I would best describe it as a self-help book for aspiring game composers, but also for us already on the inside. I’m sure I will catch myself quoting this book a lot in the future.”
- Elvira Björkman — Composer at Two Feathers (Metal: Hellsinger, Aragami, Angry Birds 2)
Fearlessly written, The Long Game takes on topics crucial for long-term success that others shy away from. Emphasizing the importance of mindset, attitude, physical health, and mental wellbeing, the book correctly frames these practices as integral to the art, craft, and business of creating music for games. Salta's holistic approach makes it invaluable for those at any phase of their career.
- Guy Whitmore — Audio Director - Polyarc Games
“Tom Salta is a unique voice and leading authority on forging the worlds of music composition and video games. His inspiring journey, philosophy and unwavering passion for the art form provide a motivating and holistic perspective on how to pursue a successful music career scoring video games. With real-world insights on navigating and building a sustained and balanced professional life, The Long Game is an invaluable guidebook for anyone interested in composing for this exciting and ever-evolving medium.”
- Greg O’Connor-Read — President - Top Dollar PR
