The Art of Game Design
Jesse Schell
13 people recommended it in 8 threads, 2010–2023.
What people on Hacker News said
Every time I pick it up, I scarcely read more than a few pages before I'm setting the book down to make a bunch of notes for new ideas I've had. The book is truly outstanding and practical, and will help give you a framework for figuring out what you want our game to be.
Useful in any circumstances where you'd like to gain fresh perspective on a creation.
It teaches you to look at games (and all kinds of experiences) through different viewpoints like looking at the economy of the game or looking at the love and relationships in the game. Very interesting for thinking about the complex systems within modern games.
Probably one of the best books I've read, even for people who don't want to make games, it was really good.
I've read a lot of the most well known game design books and its staggering how good this book is. League of its own.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: Best book you read in 2011 2011 · 4 recommendations
- Books for Game Developers 2023 · 2 recommendations
- Books For Game Developers 2013 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: Which books do you consider real gems in your field of work/study? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Richard Bartle releases his classic “Designing Virtual Worlds” book for free 2021 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What are your favorite books of all time, and why? 2017 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What are your favorite books? 2016 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Best book you read in 2010 and briefly why 2010 · 1 recommendation