Blood, Sweat, and Pixels review
As a rule, I avoid nonfiction. I don’t have anything “against” the genre, per se—if anything, it’s probably the result of my excessive love for fantasy and SciFi. But when gaming (and, specifically, game development) intersects with writing, I’m drawn to it like a paperclip to one of those giant car-sized junkyard magnets.
I feel compelled to get involved with the gaming industry, either as a career or a hobby (Trying to learn the Unity engine as part of a four-man team doesn’t count.), and I’m finally reaching a point in life where that seems like a valid dream. But for now, I love exploring how games are made, whether that’s Danny O’Dwyer’s Noclip documentary channel, the Double Fine Adventure, or every article written by Kotaku’s news editor, Jason Schreier.
My growing interest in behind-the-scenes gaming journalism plateaued recently when a friend loaned me Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by (the aforementioned) Jason Schreier. Schreier’s work for Kotaku has led him to investigate some of the biggest titles in the industry…which, in turn created a stockpile of interviews. All of this reporting resulted in an incredible “little black book” of stories that he believed needed to be told.
Over the course of several years, Schreier traveled the country, interviewed developers, and weaseled his way into back rooms at some of the biggest studios. He tasked himself with discovering not only how games are made but also why, digging up the human stories that breathe life into the industry. Along the way, he became well-acquainted with the tumultuous nature of game development, and his position at Kotaku opened the doors of proverbial Fort Knoxes all across the U.S.
Each chapter of Blood, Sweat, and Pixels tells the nitty-gritty truth behind a relevant game, brand, or studio. (Examples include Pillars of Eternity, Stardew Valley, Destiny, and Star Wars 1313.) Schreier’s honest bluntness gives personality to the writing, and his wry humor elevates dry reporting into easy reading.
To be fair, there’s no way to address the specific illustrations without spoiling Schreier’s work. But suffice to say, the insight he provides extends beyond video game development—there are lessons to be learned by every professional or entertainer, whether it’s learning how to navigate the waters of Kickstarter or how veterans overcome creative differences on a team of Type As.
I understand that this type of book might not appeal to everyone. However, it’s hard not to enjoy the personal and heartfelt stories littered throughout these 10 chapters. Despite our culture’s focus on social media and unique personalities, we often overlook the men and women who work behind the biggest brands; that’s especially true within the gaming community. Gaining perspective about the cost of development and the people behind popular games is something anyone could enjoy and grow from (but especially the gamer in your life).
In a nutshell
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels is an incredibly informative-yet-entertaining look behind the closed doors of the gaming industry. The stories Jason Schreier unearths—the same stories that fill the pages of his first book—coalesce into a remarkable tale of luck, tenacity, success, and failure. Even non-gamers can find something to enjoy, and that speaks to the strength of Schreier’s writing, years of research, and the peculiar nature of video game development.
Pros
+ Interview collection
+ Use of wit
+ Impartial coverage
Cons
- Too short!