Every once in a while I come across a brilliant book concept. This time it's "Paid to Play: An Insider's Guide to Video Game Careers," written by David Hodgson and Bryan Stratton, two video game industry veterans. Their new book targets the highly lucrative video game industry. According to stats, the video game industry rakes in 7 billion annually, and 42% of Americans have purchased, or plan to purchase, a video game in 2006. "Paid to Play" provides everything readers need to know about working in the video games industry, including details about more than 40 different professions and a peek inside some of the world's top gaming companies.

Paid to Play features exclusive illustrations by popular Web-comic Penny Arcade, interviews with industry professionals, and job descriptions. "A Day in the Life" includes career overviews and anecdotes; "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" provides the ultimate lowdown on jobs, including salaries, hours, and typical days; and "Take This Job and Love It" helps readers prepare to land their dream job with advice on education, gaining experience, and what skills are necessary to get the gig. "Getting a Job" details every job opportunity, from QA tester to company president, and provides job descriptions, self-assessment tools, and a full list of industry resources such as Web sites, video game schools and programs, trade events, resume advice, interview tips, and a complete list of video game companies.

You can find more details at http://www.primagames.com