MFA Alumnus Michael Salmond Publishes Second Book

Monday, October 03, 2016

MFA Alumnus Michael Salmond has released a new textbook, Video Game Design: Principles and Practices from the Ground Up. Salmond graduated from USF with an MFA in Electronic Media in 2003.

Video Game Design is Salmond's second textbook to be released. It is the first design book to be published on Bloomsbury Press that focuses specifically on video games. Salmond wants his new book to do more than simply keep up with the ever-evolving medium of video games.

"There are not many [video game textbooks] to choose from and they can date fairly quickly," said Salmond, "so my hope is that the content is not just up to date, but ahead of the curve."

The publishing of Video Game Design comes after a rigorous submission process, blind peer reviews, and comprehensive research into the video game industry. Salmond brings eight years of video game teaching experience to the pages of the new release. He hopes the book's focus on independent games will provide students with an intuitive approach to video game design.

Salmond has played many roles in the realm of digital media. His previous positions include web designer, interaction designer, game designer, and magazine freelancer. The challenging and creative learning environment at the College of The Arts has helped him to get where he is today.

"I came into the MFA as a tech-based design student with a professional background in interactive design," said Salmond, "and ended up with my thesis piece being a 24-hour endurance performance work that was broadcast on the internet — back in 2003 when that wasn't commonplace at all. I do not think I would have got to that place anywhere else but USF."

Click here to see Video Game Design: Principles and Practices from the Ground Up on Bloomsbury Press.