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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels summary
Jason Schreier
Brief summary
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by Jason Schreier takes readers behind the scenes of video game development, revealing the passion, creativity, and challenges that go into creating some of the world's most beloved games.
Table of Contents
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels
Summary of key ideas
Insight into the World of Game Development
In Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by Jason Schreier, we are given a behind-the-scenes look at the world of video game development. Schreier, a seasoned journalist, takes us through the tumultuous journey of the making of some of the most popular video games, providing a unique perspective into the creative process, the technical challenges, and the immense pressure faced by developers.
The first story Schreier delves into is the making of Pillars of Eternity by Obsidian Entertainment. He portrays the company's struggle to stay afloat, while also striving to create a game that would be a spiritual successor to the beloved '90s RPGs. The development process is rife with challenges, including a crowdfunding campaign that raised more money than expected, leading to a heightened sense of responsibility to deliver a game that lives up to the expectations of the fans.
The Trials of Indie Game Development
Next, Schreier explores the world of indie game development, focusing on the creation of Stardew Valley by Eric Barone. Barone's journey is a unique one, as he single-handedly took on the challenge of creating an entire game, from the programming to the art and music. The book provides a compelling insight into the immense personal sacrifices and dedication that go into such a project, as Barone spends years isolated, working up to 14 hours a day to bring his vision to life.
From there, Schreier moves on to the development of Shovel Knight by Yacht Club Games, another indie game that defied the odds. The team's passion for the project is evident, as they work tirelessly to create a game that pays homage to the classic 8-bit era, while also adding modern touches. Their journey is marked by financial struggles and personal sacrifices, but they ultimately triumph, creating a game that is both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
Big Budget Games and Their Challenges
Shifting focus to big-budget games, Schreier takes us through the tumultuous development of Destiny by Bungie. The game, with its ambitious scope and high expectations, faces numerous setbacks and creative challenges. The pressure to deliver a game that lives up to the studio's past successes, combined with the constraints imposed by the game's publisher, leads to a strained and overworked development team.
Another big-budget game Schreier covers is Dragon Age: Inquisition by BioWare. The book provides a detailed look at the complex process of creating a large-scale RPG, from the initial concept and world-building to the technical challenges of bringing the game to life. The development of Dragon Age: Inquisition is marked by numerous setbacks and crunch periods, but the team's dedication and passion ultimately result in a critically acclaimed game.
Conclusion: The Grueling Yet Rewarding Process of Game Development
In conclusion, Blood, Sweat, and Pixels offers a comprehensive and engrossing exploration of the video game development process. Schreier's storytelling provides a deep understanding of the challenges faced by developers, regardless of the size or budget of their projects. Despite the immense pressures and difficulties, the book also highlights the passion and dedication that drives these developers, and the immense satisfaction they derive from seeing their creations come to life.
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What is Blood, Sweat, and Pixels about?
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by Jason Schreier delves into the challenging world of video game development. Through in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes stories, the book explores the untold hardships and triumphs faced by game creators. From the struggles of indie developers to the high-stakes pressure of big-budget productions, Schreier offers a compelling look at the passion and dedication that goes into making the games we love.
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels Review
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels (2017) delves into the tumultuous world of game development, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of creating video games. Here's why this book is a captivating read:
- Featuring insider perspectives from industry professionals, it unveils the complex and often chaotic process of game creation.
- The book highlights the resilience and dedication required to overcome obstacles and bring virtual worlds to life, providing insight into an underappreciated art form.
- With its engaging narratives and exploration of both successes and failures in game development, this book ensures that every page is filled with intrigue and excitement.
Who should read Blood, Sweat, and Pixels?
Individuals interested in the behind-the-scenes stories of video game development
Aspiring game developers looking for insights and lessons from industry professionals
Gamers who want to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and creative processes involved in making their favorite games
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Blood, Sweat, and Pixels FAQs
What is the main message of Blood, Sweat, and Pixels?
The main message of Blood, Sweat, and Pixels highlights the challenges and creativity behind making video games.
How long does it take to read Blood, Sweat, and Pixels?
The estimated reading time for Blood, Sweat, and Pixels is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.
Is Blood, Sweat, and Pixels a good book? Is it worth reading?
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels is worth reading for its insights into the video game industry, capturing the dedication and struggles of game developers.
Who is the author of Blood, Sweat, and Pixels?
Jason Schreier is the author of Blood, Sweat, and Pixels.
What to read after Blood, Sweat, and Pixels?
If you're wondering what to read next after Blood, Sweat, and Pixels, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier
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- Abundance# by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler
- The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver
- You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier
- The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
- The Second Machine Age by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee
- Out of Control by Kevin Kelly