Game Design - a Practical Approach

'Game Design: A Practical Approach' teaches new game designers, students, and hobbyists the fundamentals of game design through the design and creation of a simple game. Written by a veteran game designer, this book is packed with invaluable insights and tips. It also includes a variety of “from the trenches” sidebars by some of the industry's top game designers. The book introduces core game design concepts, from the most basic (what is a game? what are victory conditions?) to the more advanced (how do you balance play? what is risk-reward? how do you scale challenge?). Using the example game, the book covers the entire game design process from concept to delivery. The techniques covered are applicable across the PC and game console platforms. All of the game examples are delivered via a simplified Lua script and a robust DX9 game shell, allowing nonprogrammers/designers to implement each phase of the design process. After working through this book, new designers and non-programmer will be able to modify the example game and work to create their own game designs. * Teaches game design from concept to delivery using the design of a sample game throughout the book * Provides a ready-to-use DirectX game shell and Lua script so nonprogrammers can easily implement the game concepts as they are covered * Includes “from the trenches” sidebars from industry design veterans * Enables start up designers to prototype ideas, interfaces, and ideas without programming knowledge * Includes a CD-ROM with Game design document templates, the game shell, and many small games and design examples using Lua scripts and a DX9 game shell