Routledge has recently published Behind the Scenes of the Video Game Industry: Storytelling, Power Dynamics, and Myth written by Jan Švelch. The book investigates how behind-the-scenes narratives and making-of materials are shaped by power dynamics within the video game industry, and how they often reinforce existing professional hierarchies by shining the spotlight on those who are already at the top.

The book builds on concepts of industrial reflexivity (John Thornton Caldwell) and paratextuality (Gérard Genette), 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 behind-the-scenes narratives influence the video game industry’s status quo, making it a useful resource for understanding the forces shaping game production.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Part A: Frameworks and Foundations
1. Theory of Industrial Storytelling
2. Production Realities and Reflections
3. The Many Voices of Industrial Storytelling
Part B: Practices
4. Making-of Materials: Promotion and Commodification
5. The Game of the Year
Conclusion: Dispelling Myths of Industrial Storytelling

Official product page: https://www.routledge.com/Behind-the-Scenes-of-the-Video-Game-Industry-Storytelling-Power-Dynamics-and-Myth/Svelch/p/book/9789048573202