Favorite Resources
by John Doppler Schiff · in Game Design and Creative Issues · 07/03/2006 (4:58 am) · 1 replies
Hi!
I was flipping through a book today looking for inspiration, and it occurred to me that folks might want to swap some favorites.
What websites, tutorials, books, etc have you found useful in designing games?
Let's skip Game Programmers' Guide To Torque and the 3D Game Programming All In One series -- they've got their own forums, and I think everyone here knows how useful they are already.
Here are a few lesser-known favorites off the top of my head to get the ball rolling. (My links are a bit MMO heavy because that's what I'm gnawing on at the moment, but there's something for everyone here.)
Rules of Play by Katie Salen & Eric Zimmerman
The first serious textbook I've ever seen on game design theory, and an invaluble resource for understanding player psychology and motivations. Attempts to define "play" by exploring games and play activities from many different angles. These different approaches can be tremendously useful in giving your game a new twist, or designing a game that breaks out of the standard molds.
Twisty Little Passages by Nick Montfort
Examines the history and current state of text adventures and interactive fiction. A nice overview of the challenges inherent in designing interactive fiction.
rec.arts.int-fiction (RAIF)
RAIF is devoted to interactive fiction (especially text adventures), but many of the topics discussed are applicable to any adventure game. Of particular interest to the MMO crowd are the discussions on NPC design, NPC interfaces (menu-driven responses? free-form text?), and storyline branching.
How To Write Science Fiction And Fantasy; Characters And Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card
These are indispensable books for anyone crafting a detailed storyline. Card is an incredibly skilled author, and the tips he shares in these two guides demonstrate why his books rock. Characters & Viewpoint is useful for any game designer, even if your game isn't story-centric; Sci-Fi & Fantasy is a must-have for MMO authors.
The Daedalus Project by Nick Yee
If you're researching MMO psychology, this is your first stop. Period. Offers a wealth of information: statistics on MMO player preferences and experiences, player anecdotes, demographic studies, and more. Be sure to check out the discussion of player archetypes: Explorers, Achievers, Socializers, Role-Players... "Wow" sums it up nicely. Very insightful, and a great resource when figuring out what your audience wants.
MMOGChart.com by Bruce Woodcock
MMOGChart.com scours press releases, earnings reports, and other sources for subscriber statistics on the major MMOs on the market. If you're thinking about making an MMO, or you've already taken the plunge, the numbers on this site can be both sobering and exhilarating. =)
OK guys, your turn!
I was flipping through a book today looking for inspiration, and it occurred to me that folks might want to swap some favorites.
What websites, tutorials, books, etc have you found useful in designing games?
Let's skip Game Programmers' Guide To Torque and the 3D Game Programming All In One series -- they've got their own forums, and I think everyone here knows how useful they are already.
Here are a few lesser-known favorites off the top of my head to get the ball rolling. (My links are a bit MMO heavy because that's what I'm gnawing on at the moment, but there's something for everyone here.)
Rules of Play by Katie Salen & Eric Zimmerman
The first serious textbook I've ever seen on game design theory, and an invaluble resource for understanding player psychology and motivations. Attempts to define "play" by exploring games and play activities from many different angles. These different approaches can be tremendously useful in giving your game a new twist, or designing a game that breaks out of the standard molds.
Twisty Little Passages by Nick Montfort
Examines the history and current state of text adventures and interactive fiction. A nice overview of the challenges inherent in designing interactive fiction.
rec.arts.int-fiction (RAIF)
RAIF is devoted to interactive fiction (especially text adventures), but many of the topics discussed are applicable to any adventure game. Of particular interest to the MMO crowd are the discussions on NPC design, NPC interfaces (menu-driven responses? free-form text?), and storyline branching.
How To Write Science Fiction And Fantasy; Characters And Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card
These are indispensable books for anyone crafting a detailed storyline. Card is an incredibly skilled author, and the tips he shares in these two guides demonstrate why his books rock. Characters & Viewpoint is useful for any game designer, even if your game isn't story-centric; Sci-Fi & Fantasy is a must-have for MMO authors.
The Daedalus Project by Nick Yee
If you're researching MMO psychology, this is your first stop. Period. Offers a wealth of information: statistics on MMO player preferences and experiences, player anecdotes, demographic studies, and more. Be sure to check out the discussion of player archetypes: Explorers, Achievers, Socializers, Role-Players... "Wow" sums it up nicely. Very insightful, and a great resource when figuring out what your audience wants.
MMOGChart.com by Bruce Woodcock
MMOGChart.com scours press releases, earnings reports, and other sources for subscriber statistics on the major MMOs on the market. If you're thinking about making an MMO, or you've already taken the plunge, the numbers on this site can be both sobering and exhilarating. =)
OK guys, your turn!
Torque Owner Mark Barner
mbarnatl
GAMEPRODUCER.net. Daily ideas, hints, and inspiration to new and aspiring game producers - from a game producer.
Game Design Documents. Lots of articles on Game Design, Production and productivity.
smdlabs by Brandon Maness.
Lot of tutorials and video tutorials for Torque. A must read site. I learned lots of things from this site.
These are a few that I could think of at the moment. I'll try to come back later and add some more.