How Video Games Are Made: My 16 Months Inside the Development of Defense Grid 2, by Russ Pitts

HOW VIDEO GAMES ARE MADE: MY 16 MONTHS INSIDE THE DEVELOPMENT OF DEFENSE GRID 2 brings you behind-the-scenes of the creation of a modern video game.

Over nearly two years and hundreds of hours of interviews, veteran video game journalist Russ Pitts (Polygon, Kotaku, Joystiq, IGN, Digital Trends, US Gamer, The Escapist) has been given total access to every stage of development of , sequel to the cult-hit tower defense game by the makers of the popular online shooter , and dives deep into the technological innovation, creative artistry and hard-nosed business that combine over weeks, months and years to make a game.

From moments of startling inspiration to times of crushing stress, the author has been present for every aspect of production — major milestones, critical beta tests and sometimes contentious design meetings.

HOW VIDEO GAMES ARE MADE is based on the article series written by Pitts for Polygon.com, with expanded interviews and never-before-seen material. The result is a look unlike any other into the hidden world of game development and the high stakes gamble of making games.