8 replies to this topic

[RoyP]

I'm doing a lot of the programming for a small game project with a local team. Now that I'm comfortable with C# and XNA, I want to learn more about game design.

I just ordered a copy of "Fundamentals of Game Design" by Ernest Adams. It looks like a great book and I can't wait to dig into it.

Are there any game design books that you guys consider "must reads"? Some of the game design books look interesting, but the reviews are all over the place and I'm not sure which ones are the most useful.

Thanks for your help.

Roy

[jbadams]

Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals is a great introduction to the field, and looks at all types of games including board games, card games, video games and sports.

These aren't books -- and you may well already be aware of them -- but I'd also highly recommend Daniel Cook's blog Lost Garden, and Ernest Adams' Gamasutra column The Designer's Notebook and "No Twinkie Database" (which is essentially a list of common design mistakes).


Fundamentals of Game Design is a great read with plenty of valuable information, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!


Hope that's helpful!

[RoyP]

Thanks, Jason. I appreciate the recommendations. I was on the fence about Rules of Play and hadn't heard of the Lost Garden yet. Thanks for the help!

Roy

[Geoth]

The Art of Game Design: Book of Lenses is a must read in my opinion. More about it in amazon http://www.amazon.co...s/dp/0123694965

[RoyP]

Thanks for the recommendation, Geoth. What makes it a must read for you?

[Geoth]

Really sorry for the late reply. It's a great book in my opinion, because the author goes in great lengths about game design and the best feature of the book are the small lenses in each chapter, more like tips and things to keep in mind when designing games that provide a lot of help. I really liked that book!

[RoyP]

Don't worry about it, Geoth. We're all crazy busy these days. :-)

Thanks again for the recommendation.

Roy

[Albertone]

I'd sugget "Game Design - Theory & Practice" by Richard Rouse III.
Take a look at his site: www.paranoidproductions.com - lot of interesting articles&papers!
The second edition of the aforementioned book contains the design document of the 2004 horror game "The Suffering".

[RoyP]

Thanks for the recommendation, Albertone. Wasn't even aware of that book.

Roy