book

The Art of Game Design, 3rd Edition

by Jesse Schell

July 2019

Beginner

652 pages

19h 23m

English

A K Peters/CRC Press

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Magic WordsWhat Skills Does a Game Designer Need?The Most Important SkillThe Five Kinds of ListeningThe Secret of the GiftedOther Reading to Consider
The Game Is Not the ExperienceIs This Unique to Games?Three Practical Approaches to Chasing RainbowsPsychologyAnthropologyDesignIntrospection: Powers, Perils, and PracticePeril #1: Introspection Can Lead to False Conclusions about RealityPeril #2: What Is True of My Experiences May Not Be True for OthersDissect Your FeelingsDefeating HeisenbergAnalyze MemoriesTwo PassesSneak GlancesObserve SilentlyEssential ExperienceAll That’s Real Is What You Feel

The Shifting Sands of PlatformPrivate VenuesThe HearthThe WorkbenchThe Reading NookPublic VenuesThe TheaterThe ArenaThe MuseumHalf Private/Half Public VenuesThe Gaming TableThe PlaygroundAnywhereVenues Mixed and MatchedOther Reading to Consider
A Rant about DefinitionsSo What Is a Game?No, Seriously, What Is a Game?Problem Solving 101The Fruits of Our LaborOther Reading to Consider
What Are Little Games Made Of?The Four Basic ElementsSkin and Skeleton
Mere GamesUnifying ThemesResonanceBack to RealityOther Reading to Consider
InspirationState the ProblemHow to SleepYour Silent PartnerSubconscious Tip #1: Pay AttentionSubconscious Tip #2: Record Your IdeasSubconscious Tip #3: Manage Its Appetites (Judiciously)Subconscious Tip #4: SleepSubconscious Tip #5: Don’t Push Too HardA Personal RelationshipSixteen Nitty-Gritty Brainstorming TipsBrainstorm Tip #1: The Write AnswerBrainstorm Tip #2: Write or Type?Brainstorm Tip #3: SketchBrainstorm Tip #4: ToysBrainstorm Tip #5: Change Your PerspectiveBrainstorm Tip #6: Immerse YourselfBrainstorm Tip #7: Crack JokesBrainstorm Tip #8: Spare No ExpenseBrainstorm Tip #9: The Writing on the WallBrainstorm Tip #10: The Space RemembersBrainstorm Tip #11: Write EverythingBrainstorm Tip #12: Number Your ListsBrainstorm Tip #13: Destroy Your AssumptionsBrainstorm Tip #14: Mix and Match CategoriesBrainstorm Tip #15: Talk to YourselfBrainstorm Tip #16: Find a PartnerLook At All These Ideas! Now What?Other Reading to Consider
Choosing an IdeaThe Eight FiltersThe Rule of the LoopA Short History of Software EngineeringDanger—Waterfall—Keep BackBarry Boehm Loves YouThe Agile ManifestoRisk Assessment and PrototypingExample: Prisoners of BubblevillePrisoners of Bubbleville: Design BriefPrisoners of Bubbleville: Risk ListPrisoners of Bubbleville: Risk MitigationTen Tips for Productive PrototypingPrototyping Tip #1: Answer a QuestionPrototyping Tip #2: Forget QualityPrototyping Tip #3: Don’t Get AttachedPrototyping Tip #4: Prioritize Your PrototypesPrototyping Tip #5: Parallelize Prototypes ProductivelyPrototyping Tip #6: It Doesn’t Have to Be DigitalTetris: A Paper PrototypeHalo: A Paper PrototypePrototyping Tip #7: It Doesn’t Have to Be InteractivePrototyping Tip #8: Pick a “Fast Loop” Game EnginePrototyping Tip #9: Build the Toy FirstPrototyping Tip #10: Seize Opportunities for More LoopsClosing the LoopLoop 1: “New Racing” GameLoop 2: “Racing Subs” GameLoop 3: “Flying Dinos” GameHow Much Is Enough?Your Secret FuelOther Reading to Consider
Einstein’s ViolinProject YourselfDemographicsThe Medium Is the Misogynist?Five Stereotypes about What Males Like to See in GamesFive Stereotypes about What Females Like to See in GamesPsychographicsLeBlanc’s Taxonomy of Game PleasuresBartle’s Taxonomy of Player TypesMore Pleasure: MORE!Other Reading to Consider
ModelingFocusEmpathyImaginationOther Reading to Consider
Needs……And More NeedsIntrinsic vs. Extrinsic MotivationWanna vs. HaftaNoveltyJudgmentOther Reading to Consider
Mechanic 1: SpaceNested SpacesZero DimensionsMechanic 2: TimeDiscrete and Continuous TimeClocks and RacesControlling TimeMechanic 3: ObjectsSecretsMechanic 4: ActionsEmergent GameplayMechanic 5: RulesParlett’s Rule AnalysisModesEnforcerCheatabilityThe Most Important RuleWrapping Up RulesMechanic 6: SkillReal vs. Virtual SkillsEnumerating SkillsMechanic 7: ChanceInvention of ProbabilityTen Rules of Probability Every Game Designer Should KnowRule #1: Fractions Are Decimals Are PercentsRule #2: Zero to One—and That’s It!Rule #3: “Looked For” Divided By “Possible Outcomes” Equals ProbabilityRule #4: Enumerate!Rule #5: In Certain Cases, OR Means AddRule #6: In Certain Cases, AND Means MultiplyRule #7: One Minus “Does” = “Doesn’t”Rule #8: The Sum of Multiple Linear Random Selections Is NOT a Linear Random Selection!Rule #9: Roll the DiceRule #10: Geeks Love Showing Off (Gombaud’s Law)Expected ValueConsider Values CarefullyThe Human ElementSkill and Chance Get TangledOther Reading to Consider
The Twelve Most Common Types of Game BalanceBalance Type #1: FairnessSymmetrical GamesAsymmetrical GamesBiplane BattleRock, Paper, ScissorsBalance Type #2: Challenge vs. SuccessBalance Type #3: Meaningful ChoicesTriangularityBalancing Type #4: Skill vs. ChanceBalancing Type #5: Head vs. HandsBalance Type #6: Competition vs. CooperationBalance Type #7: Short vs. LongBalance Type #8: RewardsBalance Type #9: PunishmentBalance Type #10: Freedom vs. Controlled ExperienceBalance Type #11: Simple vs. ComplexNatural vs. Artificial BalancingEleganceCharacterBalance Type #12: Detail vs. ImaginationGame Balancing MethodologiesBalancing Game EconomiesDynamic Game BalancingThe Big PictureOther Reading to Consider
The Puzzle of PuzzlesAren’t Puzzles Dead?Good PuzzlesPuzzle Principle #1: Make the Goal Easily UnderstoodPuzzle Principle #2: Make It Easy to Get StartedPuzzle Principle #3: Give a Sense of ProgressPuzzle Principle #4: Give a Sense of SolvabilityPuzzle Principle #5: Increase Difficulty GraduallyPuzzle Principle #6: Parallelism Lets the Player RestPuzzle Principle #7: Pyramid Structure Extends InterestPuzzle Principle #8: Hints Extend InterestPuzzle Principle #9: Give the Answer!Puzzle Principle #10: Perceptual Shifts Are a Double-Edged SwordA Final PieceOther Reading to Consider
Between Yin and YangBreaking It DownThe Loop of InteractionJuicinessPrimalityChannels of InformationStep 1: List and Prioritize InformationStep 2: List ChannelsStep 3: Map Information to ChannelsStep 4: Review Use of DimensionsModesMode Tip #1: Use as Few Modes as PossibleMode Tip #2: Avoid Overlapping ModesMode Tip #3: Make Different Modes Look as Different as PossibleOther Interface TipsInterface Tip #1: StealInterface Tip #2: CustomizeInterface Tip #3: Design around Your Physical InterfaceInterface Tip #4: Theme Your InterfaceInterface Tip #5: Sound Maps to TouchInterface Tip #6: Balance Options and Simplicity with LayersInterface Tip #7: Use MetaphorsInterface Tip #8: If It Looks Different, It Should Act DifferentInterface Tip #9: Test, Test, Test!Interface Tip #10: Break the Rules to Help Your PlayerOther Reading to Consider
My First LensInterest CurvesPatterns inside PatternsWhat Comprises Interest?Factor 1: Inherent InterestFactor 2: Poetry of PresentationFactor 3: ProjectionInterest Factor ExamplesPutting It All TogetherOther Reading to Consider
Story/Game DualityThe Myth of Passive EntertainmentThe DreamThe RealityReal-World Method 1: The String of PearlsReal-World Method 2: The Story MachineThe ProblemsProblem #1: Good Stories Have UnityProblem #2: The Combinatorial ExplosionProblem #4: Not Enough VerbsProblem #5: Time Travel Makes Tragedy ObsoleteThe Dream RebornTen Story Tips for Game DesignersStory Tip #1: Respect the Story StackStory Tip #2: Put Your Story to Work!Story Tip #3: Goals, Obstacles, and ConflictsStory Tip #4: Make It RealStory Tip #5: Provide Simplicity and TranscendenceStory Tip #6: Consider the Hero’s JourneyVogler’s Synopsis of the Hero’s JourneyStory Tip #7: Keep Your Story World ConsistentStory Tip #8: Make Your Story World AccessibleStory Tip #9: Use Clichés JudiciouslyStory Tip #10: Sometimes a Map Brings a Story to LifeStory Tip #11: Surprise and EmotionOther Reading to Consider
The Feeling of FreedomIndirect Control Method #1: ConstraintsIndirect Control Method #2: GoalsIndirect Control Method #3: InterfaceIndirect Control Method #4: Visual DesignIndirect Control Method #5: CharactersIndirect Control Method #6: MusicCollusionOther Reading to Consider
Transmedia WorldsThe Power of PokémonProperties of Transmedia WorldsTransmedia Worlds Are PowerfulTransmedia Worlds Are Long LivedTransmedia Worlds Evolve over TimeWhat Successful Transmedia Worlds Have in Common
The Nature of Game CharactersNovel CharactersMovie CharactersGame CharactersAvatarsThe Ideal FormThe Blank SlateCreating Compelling Game CharactersCharacter Tip #1: List Character FunctionsCharacter Tip #2: Define and Use Character TraitsCharacter Tip #3: Use the Interpersonal CircumplexCharacter Tip #4: Make a Character WebArchieVeronicaBettyReggieJugheadCharacter Tip #5: Use StatusCharacter Tip #6: Use the Power of the VoiceCharacter Tip #7: Use the Power of the FaceCharacter Tip #8: Powerful Stories Transform CharactersCharacter Tip #9: Let Your Characters Surprise UsCharacter Tip #10: Avoid the Uncanny ValleyOther Reading to Consider
The Purpose of ArchitectureOrganizing Your Game SpaceA Word about LandmarksChristopher Alexander Is a GeniusAlexander’s Fifteen Properties of Living StructuresReal vs. Virtual ArchitectureKnow How BigThird-Person DistortionLevel DesignOther Reading to Consider
The Power of PresenceSix Presence BreakersPresence Breaker #1: Motion SicknessPresence Breaker #2: Counter-Intuitive InteractionsPresence Breaker #3: Intensity OverloadPresence Breaker #4: Unrealistic AudioPresence Breaker #5: Proprioceptive DisconnectPresence Breaker #6: Lack of IdentitySix Presence BuildersPresence Builder #1: Hand PresencePresence Builder #2: Social PresencePresence Builder #3: FamiliarityPresence Builder #4: Realistic AudioPresence Builder #5: Proprioceptive AlignmentPresence Builder #6: ComedyEncourage Looking AroundConsider BrownboxingDifferent Hardware Enables Different Experiences
Monet Refuses the OperationThe Value of AestheticsLearning to SeeHow to Let Aesthetics Guide Your DesignHow Much Is Enough?Use AudioBalancing Art and TechnologyOther Reading to Consider
We Are Not AloneWhy We Play with OthersOther Reading to Consider
More than Just Other PlayersTen Tips for Strong CommunitiesCommunity Tip #1: Foster FriendshipsCommunity Tip #2: Put Conflict at the HeartCommunity Tip #3: Use Architecture to Shape Your CommunityCommunity Tip #4: Create Community PropertyCommunity Tip #5: Let Players Express ThemselvesCommunity Tip #6: Support Three LevelsCommunity Tip #7: Force Players to Depend on Each OtherCommunity Tip #8: Manage Your CommunityCommunity Tip #9: Obligation to Others Is PowerfulCommunity Tip #10: Create Community EventsThe Challenge of GriefingThe Future of Game CommunitiesOther Reading to Consider
The Secret of Successful TeamworkIf You Can’t Love the Game, Love the AudienceDesigning TogetherTeam CommunicationOther Reading to Consider
The Myth of the Game Design DocumentThe Purpose of DocumentsMemoryCommunicationTypes of Game DocumentsDesignEngineeringArtProductionWritingPlayersSo, Where Do I Start?Other Reading to Consider
PlaytestingMy Terrible SecretPlaytest Question the First: Why?Playtest Question the Second: Who?Playtest Question the Third: When?Playtest Question the Fourth: Where?Playtest Question the Fifth: What?The First What: Things You Know You Are Looking ForThe Second What: Things You Don’t Know You Are Looking ForPlaytest Question the Sixth: How?Should You Even Be There?What Do You Tell Them Up Front?Where Do You Look?What Other Data Should You Collect During Play?Will I Disturb the Players Midgame?What Data Will I Collect after the Play Session?SurveysInterviewsFFWWDDOther Reading to Consider
Technology, At LastFoundational vs. DecorationalMickey’s First CartoonAbaloneSonic the HedgehogMystJourneyRagdoll PhysicsThe Touch RevolutionThe Hype CycleThe Innovator’s DilemmaThe Law of DivergenceThe SingularityLook into Your Crystal BallOther Reading to Consider
Who Cares What the Client Thinks?Coping with Bad SuggestionsNot That RockThe Three Layers of DesireFirenze, 1498Other Reading to Consider
Why Me?A Negotiation of PowerThe Hierarchy of IdeasTwelve Tips for a Successful PitchPitch Tip #1: Get in the DoorPitch Tip #2: Show You Are SeriousPitch Tip #3: Be OrganizedPitch Tip #4: Be Passionate!!!!!Pitch Tip #5: Assume Their Point of ViewPitch Tip #6: Design the PitchPitch Tip #7: Know All the DetailsPitch Tip #8: Exude ConfidencePitch Tip #9: Be FlexiblePitch Tip #10: RehearsePitch Tip #11: Get Them to Own ItPitch Tip #12: Follow UpHey, What about Kickstarter?Other Reading to Consider
Love and MoneyKnow Your Business ModelRetailDirect DownloadFree-to-PlayKnow Your CompetitionKnow Your AudienceLearn the LanguageGeneral Game Business TermsFree-to-Play Business TermsKnow the Top SellersThe Importance of BarriersOther Reading to Consider
How Do Games Change Us?Can Games Be Good for You?Emotional MaintenanceConnectingExerciseEducationGiving the Brain What It WantsFactsProblem SolvingSystems of RelationshipsNew InsightsCuriosityCreating Teachable MomentsTransformational GamesTransformational Tip #1: Define Your TransformationTransformational Tip #2: Find Great Subject Matter ExpertsTransformational Tip #3: What Does the Instructor Need?Transformational Tip #4: Don’t Do Too MuchTransformational Tip #5: Assess Transformation AppropriatelyTransformational Tip #6: Choose the Right VenueTransformational Tip #7: Accept the Realities of the MarketCan Games Be Bad for You?ViolenceAddictionExperiencesOther Reading to Consider
The Danger of ObscurityBeing AccountableYour Hidden AgendaThe Secret Hidden in Plain SightThe RingOther Reading to Consider
The Deepest Theming

Overview

Written by one of the world's top game designers, this book describes the deepest and most fundamental principles of game design, demonstrating how tactics used in board, card, and athletic games also work in video games.