Summary of Jason Schreier's Press Reset

Book excerpt: For many of us, video games offer entertainment and leisure away from the worries of life and its obligations. But what happens behind the scenes of the video game industry? It’s not all fun and games. Press Reset: Ruin and Recovery in the Video Game Industry (2021) offers a deep dive into the world of the video game industry and the people of who work in it. Jason Schreier, a veteran of the industry, provides a well-researched investigation based on interviews. The world of video games is both admirable and complex: from game development to hard business decisions and studio closures, the industry is filled with corrupt leaders, hostility, and abusive bosses. Schreier raises questions about the stability of jobs in the video game industry, and points out that the need for solutions is greater than ever.