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I truly don't think anyone, whether novice or advanced, could read this book and not come out a better designer because of it. It can be hard for someone new to game design to find a book that a) isn't outdated, b) has timeless, practical advice, and c) reads so well that you're actually entertained as you learn. I've been a professional game developer for quite some time now, and I have seen the number of game design books on the market increase dramatically over the years. Reading it will spark many new ideas in your mind, and if you're already designing a game, encourage you to look at it in whole new ways to bring out its full potential (or make you realize you should trash the idea altogether).There is also an accompanying product, The Art of Game Design: A Deck of Lenses, which are a bunch of cards that each ask you to look at your game from a different perspective. The Art of Game Design does all of these things remarkably well, so if you're searching for a book on game design, I recommend you stop now and just pick up this one.In here, Schell teaches you not only how to create great games, but great experiences. He draws upon a multitude of disciplines and years of application to explain principles that will never be outdated. The book was so good I actually got the cards, too, just to support the guy, but you know what. They are actually incredibly helpful, and are now an invaluable design tool that I use on all the games I create.So just in case I haven't been totally clear: if you're interested at all in game design, get this book now.
Schell provides great stories, concepts, and asks questions that force you to think critically about what you're doing at any stage in your game's design. The book is written cleanly in an language that is inviting to new comers of game design. Mr. The perfect companion while you're stuck or to let you know you're on the right track. Thanks.
This book really digs down to the fundamentals of game design and reminds you to step back to look at your game often. Highly recommended.
I bought this book a few weeks ago with the intent of strengthening my skills in game design and programming, especially with an intent towards mobile games. The lenses the author talks about are very thought-provoking and are useful even outside the realm of game design. In the first few pages, I was a bit disappointed, as I was hoping for something to get something more immediate in terms of how to program for games, and the book seemed to be a bit more philosophical.As I started reading further, I realized the folly of my initial thinking and I am glad that I stuck to continue reading the book. The book is for those who want to understand the philosophy of game design rather than quickly writing a game in some language. The book essentially gives you the mindset needed for designing games, and in that aspect, is fundamental to any game designer. If you want to have instant gratification in terms of writing a game right away, there are other books, but at some point in time, you'll find yourself wanting to come back and read this book.
This book (as like most other game design books) is applicable to all type of games. Within the first 2 or 3 paragraphs i knew this book was going to be different from all the other game design books I read. I will keep it simple. Computer Console, RPGs, Miniatures, Card, all of them.If there is one book you want to read for game design, MAKE IT THIS ONE. And all in a good way. The author nails the definition and true drive of a game designer. It has a companion helper book "The art of game design: A deck of lenses" that is a collection of helper questions to ask yourself while designing a game to make sure it is the best that it can be. I have not read it, but if it is even just half as good as this book, it would be worth it to get that one too.
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