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A Theory of Fun for Game Design

  • Book
  • Nov 6, 2004
  • #Gamedesign
Raph Koster
@raphkoster
(Author)
www.goodreads.com
Paperback
4.1/5 134 ratings
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3.94/5 2.4k ratings
4 Recommenders
4 Mentions
1 Ask
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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... Show More

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 ways; 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.

(From Goodreads)

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Number of Pages: 279

ISBN: 1932111972

ISBN-13: 9781932111972

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Austin Kleon @austinkleon
  • Curated in 21 Good Books I Read in 2021 (with bonus 10 books)
aoshima @aoshima__ · Oct 26, 2022
  • Answered to What's your favorite game design book?
  • From Twitter
I've been reading A Theory of Fun by @raphkoster. The first book of game design I'm reading but loving it so far!
Lylouf @lylouf13 · Oct 26, 2022
  • Answered to What's your favorite game design book?
  • From Twitter
Theory of fun was the best design reading experience I had
Cuca @coelhucass · Oct 26, 2022
  • Answered to What's your favorite game design book?
  • From Twitter
So far I’m between the lenses one (haven’t finished yet) and the last I read, theory of fun. I also remind liking a lot Spelunky, might read again sometime
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  • Austin Kleon
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    21 Good Books I Read in 2021 (with bonus 10 books)
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  • Pedro Medeiros
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    What's your favorite game design book?
    22 answers
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