Challenges for Game Designers

So, the book I've been writing with Brenda is almost done. We're going in to print this week, which means it should be available soon thereafter.

Description:

Game designers, like other artists, get better with practice. "Challenges for Game Designers" is a series of creative exercises based on real-world problems, allowing the aspiring and practicing game designer to hone their craft without taking the time and risk inherent in a full game development project. Well-known game designers contribute their own unique solutions, allowing a window into their thought processes. While most books in this field admit that a game designer must regularly design games, no other book gives the reader, whether student or professional, a starting place to practice their essential skills. "Challenges for Game Designers" is nothing but practice, making it an essential book on any designer's shelf.

The book came about when Brenda and I witnessed some other game educators asking if there was any way to teach game design that didn't require getting involved with computers and programming. Yes, of course you can, but there weren't any books that would really give a list of exercises that you could use for practice. So, we made one. The entire manuscript took about 6 months, so we probably set a new land speed record.

If you're interested, you can order it here, among other places. If you're an educator, contact the publisher for a free desk copy. If you're still making up your mind, the book also has a companion blog that you can view for free here.