book

Game Design Workshop, 3rd Edition

by Tracy Fullerton

March 2014

Beginner

535 pages

20h 36m

English

A K Peters/CRC Press

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Step 1Step 2Step 3End Notes
An Advocate for the PlayerPlaytestersPassions and SkillsCommunicationTeamworkProcessInspirationBecoming a Better PlayerCreativityA Playcentric Design ProcessSetting Player Experience GoalsPrototyping and PlaytestingIterationStep 1: BrainstormingStep 2: Physical PrototypeStep 3: Presentation (Optional)Step 4: Software Prototype(s)Step 5: Design DocumentationStep 6: ProductionStep 7: Quality AssurancePrototypes and Playtesting in the IndustryDesigning for InnovationConclusionFurther ReadingEnd Notes1.11.21.31.41.51.61.71.81.91.10
Go Fish versus QuakeGo FishQuakeComparisonPlayersObjectivesProceduresRulesResourcesConflictBoundariesOutcomeFormal ElementsEngaging the PlayerChallengePlayPremiseCharacterStoryDramatic ElementsThe Sum of the PartsDefining GamesBeyond DefinitionsConclusionFurther ReadingEnd Notes2.12.22.32.42.52.62.72.82.92.102.112.122.132.14Figure 1Figure 2Figure 3Figure 4Figure 5
PlayersInvitation to PlayNumber of PlayersRoles of PlayersPlayer Interaction Patterns1. Single Player versus Game2. Multiple Individual Players versus Game3. Player versus Player4. Unilateral Competition5. Multilateral Competition6. Cooperative Play7. Team CompetitionObjectives1. Capture2. Chase3. Race4. Alignment5. Rescue or Escape6. Forbidden Act7. Construction8. Exploration9. Solution10. OutwitSummaryProceduresConnect FourSuper Mario Bros.ComparisonSystem ProceduresDefining ProceduresRulesRules Defining Objects and ConceptsRules Restricting ActionsRules Determining EffectsDefining RulesResourcesLivesUnitsHealthCurrencyActionsPower-UpsInventorySpecial TerrainTimeConflictObstaclesOpponentsDilemmasBoundariesOutcomeConclusionFurther ReadingEnd Notes3.13.23.33.43.53.63.73.83.93.103.113.123.133.143.153.163.173.183.193.203.213.223.233.243.253.263.273.283.293.303.313.323.333.343.353.36

ChallengeA Challenging Activity That Requires SkillThe Merging of Action and AwarenessClear Goals and FeedbackConcentration on the Task at HandThe Paradox of ControlThe Loss of Self-ConsciousnessThe Transformation of TimeExperience Becomes an End in ItselfPlayThe Nature of PlayTypes of PlayersLevels of EngagementPremiseCharacterStoryWorld BuildingThe Dramatic ArcConclusionFurther ReadingEnd Notes4.14.24.34.44.54.64.74.84.94.104.114.124.134.144.154.164.174.184.194.204.214.22
Games as SystemsObjectsPropertiesBehaviorsRelationshipsSystem DynamicsTic-Tac-ToeChessMastermind versus ClueEconomiesSimple BarteringComplex BarteringSimple MarketComplex MarketMetaeconomyEmergent SystemsInteracting with SystemsInformation StructureControlFeedbackTuning Game SystemsConclusionFurther ReadingEnd Notes5.15.25.35.45.55.65.75.85.95.105.115.125.135.145.155.165.17
Where Do Ideas Come From?BrainstormingBrainstorming Best PracticesState a ChallengeNo CriticismVary the MethodPlayful EnvironmentPut It on the WallGo for Lots of IdeasDon’t Go Too LongAlternate MethodsList CreationIdea CardsMind MapStream of ConsciousnessShout It OutCut It UpSurrealist GamesResearchEditing and RefiningTechnical FeasibilityMarket OpportunityArtistic ConsiderationsBusiness/Cost RestrictionsTurning Ideas into a GameFocus on the Formal ElementsPractice, Practice, PracticeFeature DesignBattle for Middle Earth 2Battlefield 2Karaoke RevolutionFeature StoryboardsConclusionFurther ReadingEnd Notes6.16.26.36.46.5
Methods of PrototypingPhysical PrototypesBattleship PrototypeMore ExamplesUp the River PrototypePrototyping a First-Person ShooterArena MapUnitsMovement and Shooting RulesPerspective on Physical PrototypingPrototyping Your Original Game IdeaVisualizing Core GameplayBuilding the Physical Prototype1. Foundation2. Structure3. Formal Details4. RefinementRefining Your VisualizationMaking the Physical Prototype BetterBeyond the Physical PrototypeConclusionFurther Reading7.17.27.37.47.57.67.77.87.97.107.117.127.137.14
Types of Digital PrototypesPrototyping Game MechanicsPrototyping AestheticsPrototyping KinestheticsPrototyping TechnologyDesigning Control SchemesSelecting ViewpointsOverhead ViewSide ViewIsometric ViewFirst-Person ViewThird-Person ViewEffective Interface DesignForm Follows FunctionMetaphorsVisualizationGrouping FeaturesConsistencyFeedbackPrototyping ToolsProgramming LanguagesGame EnginesLevel EditorsConclusionFurther ReadingEnd Notes8.18.28.38.48.58.68.78.88.98.108.118.128.138.148.158.168.178.188.198.208.21Figure 1Figure 2Figure 1Figure 2Figure 3Figure 4
Playtesting and Iterative DesignRecruiting PlaytestersSelf-TestingPlaytesting with ConfidantsPlaytesting with People You Do Not KnowFinding the Ideal PlaytestersPlaytesting with Your Target AudienceConducting a Playtesting SessionIntroduction (2–3 Minutes)Warm-Up Discussion (5 Minutes)Play Session (15–20 Minutes)Discussion of Game Experience (15–20 Minutes)Wrap-UpMethods of PlaytestingThe Play MatrixTaking NotesBasic Usability TechniquesDo Not LeadRemind Testers to Think Out LoudQuantitative DataData GatheringTest Control SituationsPlaytesting PracticeConnect Four1. Create the Prototype2. Prepare Your Questions and Script3. Recruit Testers4. Playtesting5. Alternate the Grid Size6. Alternate the Objective7. Alternate Turn Procedure8. Alternate Number of PlayersFinal AnalysisConclusionFurther ReadingEnd Notes9.19.29.39.49.59.69.79.89.99.10Figure 1
What Are You Testing For?FoundationStructureFormal DetailsRefinementIs Your Game Functional?Is Your Game Internally Complete?Solution #1Solution #2Solution #3Solution #4DiscussionLoopholesLoopholes versus FeaturesDead EndsWrapping Up CompletenessIs Your Game Balanced?Balancing VariablesBalancing the DynamicsReinforcing RelationshipsDominant ObjectsDominant StrategiesBalancing PositionsSymmetrical GamesAsymmetrical GamesAsymmetrical ObjectivesTicking ClockProtectionCombinationIndividual ObjectivesComplete AsymmetryBalancing for SkillBalancing for the Median Skill LevelBalancing DynamicallyBalancing Computer-Controlled CharactersTechniques for Balancing Your GameThink ModularPurity of PurposeOne Change at a TimeSpreadsheetsConclusionFurther ReadingEnd Notes10.110.210.310.410.510.610.710.810.910.1010.1110.1210.1310.14
Is Your Game Fun?ChallengeReaching and Exceeding GoalsCompeting against OpponentsStretching Personal LimitsExercising Difficult SkillsMaking Interesting ChoicesPlayLiving Out FantasiesSocial InteractionExploration and DiscoveryCollectionStimulationSelf-Expression and PerformanceConstruction/DestructionStoryAnalyzing AppealWorld of WarcraftMonopolyTetrisImproving Player ChoicesTypes of DecisionsDilemmasCake-Cutting ScenarioThe Prisoner’s DilemmaPuzzlesRewards and PunishmentsAnticipationSurpriseProgressThe EndFun KillersMicromanagementStagnationInsurmountable ObstaclesArbitrary EventsPredictable PathsBeyond FunIs Your Game Accessible?ConclusionFurther ReadingEnd Notes11.111.211.311.411.511.611.711.811.911.1011.1111.1211.1311.1411.1511.16
Team StructurePublisher versus DeveloperDeveloper’s TeamGame DesignerProducerProgrammersVisual ArtistsQA EngineersSpecialized MediaLevel DesignerPublisher’s TeamProducerMarketing TeamExecutivesQuality AssuranceUsability SpecialistsUser Research and MetricsTeam ProfileAll Contribute to the DesignTeam BuildingTeam CommunicationConducting MeetingsAgile DevelopmentConclusionFurther ReadingEnd Note12.112.212.312.412.512.6
Stages DefinedConcept/ContractThe TeamThe Project PlanThe IdeaPreproductionProductionQA/PolishOngoing ProductionUsing Agile DevelopmentAgile Project PlanningGoalsPrioritiesScheduleBudgetScoping and RevisingMilestones and ApprovalsConclusionFurther Reading13.113.213.313.4
VisualizationFlowchartsTables and SpreadsheetsConcept ArtDescriptionFormats for Design DocumentsContentsDesign MacrosConclusionFurther ReadingEnd Notes14.114.214.314.414.514.614.7
The Size of the Game IndustryPlatforms for DistributionConsolesSony PlayStation 3 and 4Microsoft Xbox 360 and Xbox OneNintendo Wii and Wii UComputer (PC and Mac)Mobile (Phone and Tablet)Genres of GameplayAction GamesStrategy GamesRole-Playing GamesSports GamesRacing/Driving GamesSimulation/Building GamesFlight and Other SimulationsAdventure GamesEducational GamesChildren’s GamesCasual GamesExperimental GamesPublishersElectronic ArtsMicrosoftSony Computer EntertainmentNintendoDevelopersThe Business of Game PublishingElement 1: DevelopmentIndustry TrendsDeveloper RoyaltiesBase DealRoyalty CalculationAffiliate Label DealElement 2: LicensingContent LicensingConsole Licensing AgreementsElement 3: MarketingElement 4: DistributionConclusionFurther ReadingEnd Notes15.115.215.315.4
Getting a Job at a Publisher or DeveloperEducate YourselfAcademic ProgramsPlay GamesDesign Games and LevelsKnow the IndustryNetworkingOrganizationsConferencesInternet and E-MailStarting at the BottomInterningQAPitching Your Original IdeasPitch ProcessPitch Materials1. Sell Sheet2. Game Demo3. Gameplay Video4. Game Design Overview5. Company Prospectus6. Storyboards7. PowerPoint Presentation8. Technical Design Overview9. Competitive AnalysisWhat Happens after the PitchIndependent ProductionConclusionFurther Reading

Overview

Create the Digital Games You Love to PlayDiscover an exercise-driven, non-technical approach to game design without the need for programming or artistic expertise using Game Design Workshop, Third Edition.Author Tracy Fullerton demystifies the creative process with a clear and accessible analysis of the formal and dramatic systems of game design. E