book

Game Design Workshop, 5th Edition

Name: Game Design Workshop, 5th Edition
Author: Tracy Fullerton
ISBN: 9781003858447

by Tracy Fullerton

April 2024

Beginner to intermediate

586 pages

23h 11m

English

A K Peters/CRC Press

Read now

Unlock full access

Cover
Endorsement Page
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Image Credits and Copyright Notices

Introduction
Part 1 Game Design Basics
Chapter 1 The Role of the Game Designer
An Advocate for the PlayerPlaytestersPassions and SkillsCommunicationTeamworkProcessInspirationBecoming a Better PlayerCreativityA Playcentric Design ProcessSetting Player Experience GoalsPrototyping and PlaytestingDesigners You Should KnowIterationThe Iterative Design ProcessPrototypes and Playtesting in the IndustryDesigning for InnovationConclusionDesigner Perspective: Christina NormanDesigner Perspective: Warren SpectorFurther ReadingEnd Notes
Chapter 2 The Structure of Games
Go Fish versus QuakeGo FishQuakeComparisonEngaging the PlayerChallengePlayPremiseWhat is a Puzzle?CharacterStoryDramatic ElementsThe Sum of the PartsDefining GamesBeyond DefinitionsConclusionDesigner Perspective: Jane McGonigalDesigner Perspective: Randy SmithFurther ReadingEnd Notes
Chapter 3 Working with Formal Elements
PlayersInvitation to PlayNumber of PlayersRoles of PlayersPlayer Interaction PatternsPersuasive GamesObjectivesSummaryProceduresConnect FourSuper Mario BrosComparisonSystem ProceduresDefining ProceduresRulesRules Defining Objects and ConceptsRules Restricting ActionsRules Determining EffectsDefining RulesResourcesLivesUnitsHealthCurrencyActionsPower-UpsInventorySpecial TerrainTimeConflictObstaclesOpponentsDilemmasBoundariesThe Mechanic is the MessageOutcomeConclusionDesigner Perspective: Derek YuFurther ReadingEnd Notes
Chapter 4 Working with Dramatic Elements
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 EngagementPremiseCharacterStoryDirecting Games for EmotionWorld BuildingThe Dramatic ArcCrafting Emotional Beats in The Last of UsConclusionFurther ReadingEnd Notes
Chapter 5 Working with System Dynamics
Games as SystemsObjectsPropertiesBehaviorsRelationshipsSystem DynamicsDeconstructing SetTic-Tac-ToeChessMastermind versus ClueEconomiesSimple BarteringComplex BarteringSimple MarketComplex MarketMeta EconomyEmergent SystemsInteracting with SystemsInformation StructureControlFeedbackInteraction Loops and ArcsTuning Game SystemsConclusionDesigner Perspective: Mary FlanaganDesigner Perspective: Frank LantzFurther ReadingEnd Notes
Part 2 Designing a Game
Chapter 6 Ideation
Where Do Ideas Come From?Constraints and CreativityBrainstormingBrainstorming Best PracticesAlternative MethodsList CreationIdea CardsMind MapStream of ConsciousnessElectronic Arts Preproduction WorkshopShout It OutCut It UpSurrealist GamesResearchEditing and RefiningAligned with GoalsTechnical FeasibilityMarket OpportunityArtistic ConsiderationsBusiness/Cost RestrictionsA Conversation with Will WrightTurning Ideas into a GameFocus on the Formal ElementsWriting a TreatmentLoglineKey ArtPractice, Practice, PracticeFeature DesignFeature StoryboardsGetting the Most out of Focus GroupsExperimental GameplayIdeas vs. DesignsConclusionDesigner Perspective: Josh HolmesFurther ReadingEnd Notes
Chapter 7 Prototyping
Methods of PrototypingPhysical PrototypesBattleship PrototypeMore ExamplesUp the River PrototypePrototyping a First-Person ShooterCatastrophic Prototyping and Other StoriesPerspective on Physical PrototypingPrototyping Your Original Game IdeaVisualizing Core GameplayBuilding the Physical PrototypeThe Design Evolution of Magic: The GatheringRefining Your VisualizationMaking the Physical Prototype BetterBeyond the Physical PrototypeConclusionDesigner Perspective: James ErnestDesigner Perspective: Katie SalenFurther Reading
Chapter 8 Digital Prototyping
Types of Digital PrototypesPrototyping Game MechanicsPrototyping AestheticsPrototyping KinestheticsPrototyping TechnologyUsing Software Prototypes in Game DesignPrototyping CloudDesigning Control SchemesSelecting ViewpointsOverhead ViewPrototyping for Game FeelSide ViewIsometric ViewFirst-Person ViewThird-Person ViewEffective Interface DesignForm Follows FunctionMetaphorsVisualizationGrouping FeaturesConsistencyFeedbackPrototyping ToolsProgramming LanguagesGame EnginesPopular Creation ToolsConclusionDesigner Perspective: David PerryDesigner Perspective: Elan LeeFurther ReadingEnd Notes
Chapter 9 Playtesting
Playtesting and Iterative DesignRecruiting PlaytestersSelf-TestingPlaytesting with ConfidantsPlaytesting with People You Do Not KnowFinding the Ideal PlaytestersPlaytesting with Your Target AudienceConducting a Playtesting SessionWhy We Play GamesIntroduction (2–3 Minutes)Warm-Up Discussion (5 Minutes)Play Session (15–20 Minutes)Discussion of Game Experience (15–20 Minutes)Wrap-UpMethods of PlaytestingHow Feedback from Typical Gamers Can Help Avoid Disappointing OutcomesA Primer for Playtesting: Don’t Follow These Rules!The Play MatrixTaking NotesBasic Usability TechniquesDo Not LeadRemind Testers to Think Out LoudQuantitative DataMetrics in Game DesignData GatheringTest Control SituationsRapid Iterative Testing and EvaluationPlaytesting PracticeConnect FourFinal AnalysisConclusionFurther ReadingEnd Notes
Chapter 10 Functionality, Completeness, and Balance
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 PurposeA Conversation with Rob PardoOne Change at a TimeSpreadsheetsConclusionDesigner Perspective: Shawn Alexander AllenDesigner Perspective: Heather KelleyFurther ReadingEnd Notes
Chapter 11 Fun and Accessibility
Is Your Game Fun?ChallengePlayStoryAnalyzing AppealImproving Player ChoicesTypes of DecisionsDilemmasCake-Cutting ScenarioThe Prisoner’s DilemmaPuzzlesRewards and PunishmentsAnticipationSurpriseProgressThe EndFun KillersMicromanagementStagnationTuning and Balance: Us vs. ItInsurmountable ObstaclesArbitrary EventsPredictable PathsBeyond FunIs Your Game Accessible?Using Audio as a Game Feedback DeviceConclusionDesigner Perspective: Wren BrierFurther ReadingEnd Notes
Part 3 Working as a Game Designer
Chapter 12 Team Structures
Team StructurePublisher versus DeveloperDeveloper’s TeamGame DesignerProducerProgrammersBuilding Inclusive Design TeamsVisual ArtistsQA EngineersSpecialized MediaLevel DesignerPublisher’s TeamProducerMarketing TeamExecutivesQA EngineersUsability SpecialistsUser Research and MetricsTeam ProfileAll Contribute to the DesignTeam BuildingTeam CommunicationConducting MeetingsAgile DevelopmentUnions in the Game IndustryConclusionDesigner Perspective: Nahil SharkasiDesigner Perspective: Elizabeth LapenséeDesigner Perspective: Jenova ChenFurther ReadingEnd Note
Chapter 13 Stages and Methods of Development
Stages DefinedFrom Concept to ContractPreproductionProductionFrom Classroom to Console: Producing flOw for the PlayStation 3Postproduction and Quality AssuranceMaintenance and UpdatesUsing Agile DevelopmentAgile Project PlanningGoalsPrioritiesScheduleBudgetScoping and RevisingMilestones and ApprovalsOpportunities for Indie GamemakersConclusionDesigner Perspective: Michael JohnFurther Reading
Chapter 14 Communicating Your Designs
VisualizationFlowchartsTables and SpreadsheetsConcept ArtDescriptionArtificial Intelligence & the Creative ProcessVirtual Reality and BeyondFormats for Design DocumentsDesign MacrosConclusionDesigner Perspective: Anna AnthropyDesigner Perspective: Rob DaviauFurther ReadingEnd Notes
Chapter 15 Understanding the New Game Industry
The Size of the Game IndustryPlatforms for DistributionConsolesComputer (PC and Mac)Mobile (Phone and Tablet)Virtual Reality and Alternate RealityImmersive EntertainmentBoard GamesGenres of GameplayAction GamesStrategy GamesMobile Game Design and Zombies, Run!Role-Playing GamesSports GamesRacing/Driving GamesSimulation/Building GamesFlight and Other SimulationsAdventure and Action Adventure GamesEducational GamesChildren’s GamesCasual GamesExperimental GamesPublishersPlay Beyond ScreensDevelopersThe Business of Game PublishingDevelopmentLicensingMarketingDistributionConclusionDesigner Perspective: Neil JonesDesigner Perspective: Graeme BaylessFurther ReadingEnd Notes
Chapter 16 Selling Yourself and Your Ideas to the Game Industry
Getting a Job at a Publisher or DeveloperEducate YourselfAcademic ProgramsPortfolioPlay GamesDesign Games and LevelsKnow the IndustryNetworkingOrganizationsConferencesGame JamsInternet and E-mailStarting at the BottomInterningQAPitching Your Original IdeasPitch ProcessPitch MaterialsWhat Happens after the PitchIndependent ProductionConclusionDesigner Perspective: Erin ReynoldsDesigner Perspective: Matt KorbaDesigner Perspective: Asher VollmerFurther ReadingEnd Note
Conclusion
Index

Overview

Game Design Workshop puts you to work prototyping, playtesting, and revising your own games with time-tested methods and tools. These skills will provide the foundation for your career in any facet of the game industry including design, producing, programming, and visual design.

Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.

Read now

Unlock full access

More than 5,000 organizations count on O’Reilly

O’Reilly covers everything we've got, with content to help us build a world-class technology community, upgrade the capabilities and competencies of our teams, and improve overall team performance as well as their engagement.

Julian F.

Head of Cybersecurity

I wanted to learn C and C++, but it didn't click for me until I picked up an O'Reilly book. When I went on the O’Reilly platform, I was astonished to find all the books there, plus live events and sandboxes so you could play around with the technology.

Addison B.

Field Engineer

I’ve been on the O’Reilly platform for more than eight years. I use a couple of learning platforms, but I'm on O'Reilly more than anybody else. When you're there, you start learning. I'm never disappointed.

Amir M.

Data Platform Tech Lead

I'm always learning. So when I got on to O'Reilly, I was like a kid in a candy store. There are playlists. There are answers. There's on-demand training. It's worth its weight in gold, in terms of what it allows me to do.

Mark W.

Embedded Software Engineer

Publisher Resources

ISBN: 9781003858447

Cloud Computing

Data Engineering

Data Science

AI & ML

Programming Languages

Software Architecture

IT/Ops

Security

Design

Business

Soft Skills