David Bartley
Senior Development Editor, BradyGames

You’d think having all of the latest video gaming systems in your office would mean you have the greatest job of all time, and you might be right. But don’t think it’s all wine and roses (or plasma cannons and phase rifles). After all, someone has to actually write and edit the strategy guides for the Grand Theft Auto series. That often means editing late into the night, and dealing with companies on deadline.

So you basically sit around playing video games and telling people how to beat them?

Yep. And I also grow Wumpa fruit in my yard, have a pet Chocobo, and rent a place in the Algonquin district of Liberty City from a guy named Niko Bellic.

Biggest misconception about your job?

Actually, the first question pretty much sums it up. Of course, we do play games, but most of our time goes into planning and creating books that cover every aspect of the games.

Biggest headache?

Long hours and crazy deadlines. We must always assemble an incredibly large amount of data in an organized and interesting manner, and we usually have only a few weeks to do it.

Most rewarding part?

Being involved with all of the best video games while they are still in development, and working directly with the creators of these amazing worlds to uncover and reveal every nuance.

How do I get your job?

Spend most of your youth playing and creating games (not just video games) and reading comic books. Oh, yeah ….. a degree from a good university doesn’t hurt.