Game Design Elements

This textbook, written by a renowned game designer, serves as an introduction to the fundamental concepts of game design, with a specific focus on the techniques employed in the production of commercial games. It provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the tools and methods utilized by professionals in the industry to create successful games.

The book presents a structured model for evaluating game design through three interconnected levels: mechanics and systems, gameplay, and player experience. It outlines how aspiring game designers can utilize these levels as a framework to guide their creative process effectively. Notably, the text places a strong emphasis on the models and terminology commonly used in the gaming industry, highlighting the importance of designing games as dynamic systems of interactive gameplay.

In the initial chapters, readers are introduced to the core model and framework essential for analyzing and crafting games. The subsequent sections delve deeper into the three levels, offering detailed explanations on player experience and defining design objectives, conducting a thorough examination of gameplay mechanics, showcasing the progression from mechanics to systems, and introducing key concepts for understanding gameplay dynamics – the behaviors exhibited by players as they engage with the mechanics and systems of a game.

Towards the end of the book, practical guidance is provided to students on developing game prototypes through an iterative, user-centered approach. Each chapter includes a series of exercises for individual practice and design challenges for group collaboration, fostering hands-on learning experiences for readers.

Overall, this textbook is a valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a solid foundation in game design, offering insights into industry-standard practices and providing practical tools for aspiring game designers to hone their craft effectively.

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