Question: I'm writing to ask some advice from those of you working in the game audio/sound design fields. I believe someone other asked a similar question relating to getting a start in the film sound industry, but I'm wondering if anyone out there can recommend some pointers, books, and the like related to game audio?

If I'm looking to work on films, it seems natural to volunteer my services on local productions, but is there an equivalent resource for games or interactive media? I don't doubt there is, but can anyone recommend a particular site or community with independent game developers looking for someone to help out?

Answer: 
I'm not a professional yet, but I can at least recommend some books. I see lots of people recommend *The Complete Guide to Game Audio* by Aaron Marks. Gives you the absolute basics of the field.

Also, here is a list of really helpful blogs: <http://www.blastwavefx.com/blog/2009/12/08/10-essential-sound-design-blogs/>

One blog page in particular gives you great beginner's information that I probably couldn't: <http://designingsound.org/index.php?s=sound+design+essentials>

And for networking, there's the Game Audio Network Guild: <http://www.audiogang.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1>. You have to pay for it, but there are alot of perks, like sound design competitions and event discounts.

A free forum is the Game Audio Forum: <http://www.gameaudioforum.com/phpBB3/>. There's a lot of good information there.

I know I listed only websites, so actual sound designers should feel free to add to my list. Good luck!
Start small, look for indie developers forums on stuff like gamedev.net as there's plenty of (unpaid) opportunities there. It's all about getting the cogs turning, finding the right people/companies will become more of a natural process as long as you're 100% dedicated and you have a clear vision.