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The Art of Game Design, 3rd Edition

Name: The Art of Game Design, 3rd Edition
Author: Jesse Schell
ISBN: 9781351803632

by Jesse Schell

July 2019

Beginner

652 pages

19h 23m

English

A K Peters/CRC Press

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Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication Page
Table of Contents
Table of Lenses
Hello
1 In the Beginning, There Is the Designer
Magic WordsWhat Skills Does a Game Designer Need?The Most Important SkillThe Five Kinds of ListeningThe Secret of the GiftedOther Reading to Consider
2 The Designer Creates an Experience
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

3 The Experience Takes Place in a Venue
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
4 The Experience Rises Out of a Game
A Rant about DefinitionsSo What Is a Game?No, Seriously, What Is a Game?Problem Solving 101The Fruits of Our LaborOther Reading to Consider
5 The Game Consists of Elements
What Are Little Games Made Of?The Four Basic ElementsSkin and Skeleton
6 The Elements Support a Theme
Mere GamesUnifying ThemesResonanceBack to RealityOther Reading to Consider
7 The Game Begins with an Idea
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
8 The Game Improves through Iteration
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
9 The Game Is Made for a Player
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
10 The Experience Is in the Player’s Mind
ModelingFocusEmpathyImaginationOther Reading to Consider
11 The Player’s Mind Is Driven by the Player’s Motivation
Needs……And More NeedsIntrinsic vs. Extrinsic MotivationWanna vs. HaftaNoveltyJudgmentOther Reading to Consider
12 Some Elements Are Game Mechanics
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
13 Game Mechanics Must Be in Balance
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
14 Game Mechanics Support Puzzles
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
15 Players Play Games through an Interface
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
16 Experiences Can Be Judged by Their Interest Curves
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
17 One Kind of Experience Is the Story
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
18 Story and Game Structures Can Be Artfully Merged with Indirect Control
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
19 Stories and Games Take Place in Worlds
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
20 Worlds Contain Characters
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
21 Worlds Contain Spaces
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
22 Some Interfaces Create a Feeling of Presence
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
23 The Look and Feel of a World Is Defined by Its Aesthetics
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
24 Some Games Are Played with Other Players
We Are Not AloneWhy We Play with OthersOther Reading to Consider
25 Other Players Sometimes Form Communities
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
26 The Designer Usually Works with a Team
The Secret of Successful TeamworkIf You Can’t Love the Game, Love the AudienceDesigning TogetherTeam CommunicationOther Reading to Consider
27 The Team Sometimes Communicates through Documents
The Myth of the Game Design DocumentThe Purpose of DocumentsMemoryCommunicationTypes of Game DocumentsDesignEngineeringArtProductionWritingPlayersSo, Where Do I Start?Other Reading to Consider
28 Good Games Are Created through Playtesting
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
29 The Team Builds a Game with Technology
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
30 Your Game Will Probably Have a Client
Who Cares What the Client Thinks?Coping with Bad SuggestionsNot That RockThe Three Layers of DesireFirenze, 1498Other Reading to Consider
31 The Designer Gives the Client a Pitch
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
32 The Designer and Client Want the Game to Make a Profit
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
33 Games Transform Their Players
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
34 Designers Have Certain Responsibilities
The Danger of ObscurityBeing AccountableYour Hidden AgendaThe Secret Hidden in Plain SightThe RingOther Reading to Consider
35 Each Designer Has a Purpose
The Deepest Theming
Goodbye
Acknowledgments
Endnotes
Bibliography
Index

Content preview from The Art of Game Design, 3rd Edition

HELLO

Hello there! Come in, come in! What a nice surprise—I had no idea you would be visiting today. I’m sorry if it is a little messy in here, I’ve been writing. Please—make yourself comfortable. Good, good. Now let’s see… where should we begin? Oh—I should introduce myself!

My name is Jesse Schell, and I have always loved designing games. Here’s picture of me:

I was shorter then. Since that picture was taken, I’ve done a lot of different things. I’ve worked in circuses as a professional juggler. I’ve been a writer, comedian, and magician’s apprentice. I’ve worked at IBM and Bell Communications Research as a software engineer. I’ve designed ...

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The Art of Game Design, 3rd Edition

by Jesse Schell

HELLO

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.