Games, Design and Play: A Detailed Approach to Iterative Game Design

Chapter 2. Basic Game Design Tools

One of the first things we do when learning a new field is to become familiar with the tools of the trade. In this chapter we look at the core tools of game design: constraint; direct and indirect interaction; goals; challenge; the interplay of skill, strategy, chance and uncertainty; decision-making and feedback; abstraction; theme; storytelling and context.

Now that we’ve identified the basic elements game designers work with in the creation of games, the next step is considering the tools used to shape and combine these elements into experiences for players. When you think about tools, you probably think of game engines, animation tools, programming languages, sound design, or 3D modeling software. These ...