xvi Introduction Writing a book has a number of similarities to making a video game. There's never enough time or opportunity to include all the content that you want; there's always a way to make it more concise, fun, and interesting; there's a ton of people giving their opinions in how to make it better; and there's always a new deadline. Who Should Read This Book? This book is about how a video game producer needs to be a leader in the true sense--the person who helps game visionaries realize their vision. If you're a game visionary wanting to find someone to help execute and realize your vision, then read ahead and learn about what an excellent video game producer can do for you. This book only scrapes the surface of what a career in the game industry holds. If you want a job where the same day is never lived twice--and where the days of being bored at work are gone forever--then read on. Few other jobs in few other industries can offer such a reward, and this book can help you realize that reward. If you're a producer already in the game industry or other industry professional, you may find a few tips or tricks that you've not tried yet in this book. Or maybe you'll find one bit of advice that makes your next game better and the process of making it more efficient. You may also achieve a fuller understanding of the role of the game producer--an understanding that makes your job easier, better, and more rewarding. Despite being in the industry for more than 10 years, there's a lot that I still don't know. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new--maybe the same is true for you. But after the few hard lessons from the past I decided to put the little I know about the industry, along with the helpful tips from many others, into this book. What's in This Book? This book addresses the following topics: · What a video game producer does and what types of producer roles exist. · The common challenges faced by producers. · How to facilitate the creation of excellent design documentation. · The creation of proprietary game development tools, licensing of third-party software, and pro- cedures for asset management and source control. · Managing milestones and milestone creation. · How a producer effectively conveys a winning video game vision. · Financial aspects that govern a producer's decisions. · How a video game producer's role relates to game design. · How to produce an excellent soundtrack and why music is as important as the graphics. · How to manage all of the materials needed to market your game.