Hit Reset: How the Gaming Industry Ruins Careers and Gives Second Chances. This book serves as the second installment in a duology that explores the darker side of the video game industry. In Hit Reset, Jason Schreier delves into the management failures and mass layoffs that frequently occur during the development of large and expensive games¹. The book provides a detailed examination of how successful careers can be derailed and entire game studios can be forced to close due to these issues.

Schreier’s narrative sheds light on the personal and professional toll of these industry practices, including how individuals experience burnout after repeated layoffs, struggle with creative crises, and face challenges adapting to new teams and environments. The book highlights the human cost behind the industry’s glamorous facade, offering an unflinching look at the hardships faced by many within the gaming world.

What sets Hit Reset apart is Schreier’s ability to make the analysis of serious business dramas both engaging and informative. His exploration of the systemic issues within the industry not only informs readers about the struggles faced by game developers but also provides a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked. The book is a rare example of how serious industry analysis can be presented in a way that is both thought-provoking and accessible.

Overall, Hit Reset is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities and challenges of the gaming industry, offering valuable insights into the impact of mismanagement and the often-overlooked human element behind game development.

Footnotes

Mass layoffs and management failures – Refers to large-scale job reductions and poor managerial decisions that can lead to significant disruptions in game development, including the closure of studios and the negative impact on employees’ careers. ↩