A Theory of Fun for Game Design by Raph Koster, Will Wright (Foreword by)

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Textbook (Paperback - New Edition)

  • 244pp
  • Sales Rank: 65,328

Textbook Information

  • ISBN-13: 9781932111972
  • Edition Description: New Edition
  • Edition Number: 1
  • Pub. Date: November 2004
  • Publisher: Ingram Publisher Services

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Product Details

  • Pub. Date: November 2004
  • Publisher: Ingram Publisher Services
  • Format: Textbook Paperback, 244pp
  • Sales Rank: 65,328

Synopsis

A "Theory of Fun for Game Design is not your typical how-to book. It features a novel way of teaching interactive designers how to create and improve their designs to incorporate the highest degree of fun. As the book shows, designing for fun is all about making interactive products like games highly entertaining, engaging, and addictive. The book's unique approach of providing a highly visual storyboard approach combined with a narrative on the art and practice of designing for fun is sure to be a hit with game and interactive designers, At first glance A "Theory of Fun for Game Design is a book that will truly inspire and challenge game designers to think in new was; however, its universal message will influence designers from all walks of life. This book captures the real essence of what drives us to seek out products and experiences that are truly fun and entertaining. The author masterfully presents his engaging theory by showing readers how many designs are lacking because they are predictable and not engaging enough. He then explains how great designers use different types of elements in new ways to make designs more fun and compelling. Anyone who is interested in design will enjoy how the book works on two levels--as a quick inspiration guide to game design, or as an informative discussion that details the insightful thinking from a great mind in the game industry.

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Biography

Koster is the Chief Creative Officer for Sony Online Entertainment. For many years, he has served as a lead designer for teams building online virtual worlds.

Wright is the Chief Designer for Maxis, the company behind SimCity. He cofounded Maxis with Jeff Braun in 1987.

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A Theory of Fun for Game Designby Anonymous

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December 29, 2005: This is an essential primer for any budding game designer - computer or otherwise. While Koster's attention is mostly on computer games, the theory of fun he develops is widely applicable, especially if your goal is to make your game engaging and replayable. Don't be fooled into thinking the illustrations are just pretty, either. They illuminate the text and offer insights of their own in ways that are easy to absorb. This is a volume to read, re-read and count yourself glad to grok.

A Theory of Fun for Game Designby Anonymous

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December 16, 2004: The cover is a cartoon. And inside, so too is every second page. Yet Koster is quite serious. He tries to describe why a computer game is enjoyable. Or at least what makes the successful ones so. En route, he gives an informal synopsis and taxonomy of the games that have appeared since the 1970s. The seminal Space Invaders, Pac Man, Defender, Tempest and others from your mis-spend youth. (Well, mine anyway.) Ambitiously, he tries to put games into a broader context. Comparing them to other communications media, like music, books and movies. He craves intellectual respectability for games, on a par with those activities, for which academic analysis is now commonplace, Though it certainly was not so for movies, during their first decades. Koster suggests that with now over 20 years of gaming, it is likewise time for games to be regarded seriously.