Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Game Design
Part One of
Fundamentals of Game Design
examines the essential
principles of designing video games. The first chapter proposes a
philosophy of what video games are and how they entertain.
Chapter 2 explains several important design concepts and introduces
the player-centric approach to the process of game design itself.
It also describes several aspects of design in the commercial environ-
ment, including documents used and job roles. Chapter 3 describes
how to get from the initial “great idea” stage to a formal game con-
cept that is detailed enough to elaborate into a complete design.
The remaining chapters of Part One are devoted to specific aspects
of video games that you will encounter when you're designing
them. They are organized by subject matter: game worlds, creative
play, character design, storytelling, user interface design, gameplay,
core mechanics, game balancing, and level design. These chapters
are presented in an order that runs approximately from the most
aesthetically creative activities to the most practical and functional.
