Theory of Fun for Game Design | 
 enlarge | Author: Raph Koster
Publisher: Paraglyph
Category: Book
Buy New: $99.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  28 reviews
Sales Rank: 178860
Format: Illustrated
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 256
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 6.9 x 0.7
ISBN: 1932111972
Dewey Decimal Number: 793
EAN: 9781932111972
ASIN: 1932111972
Publication Date: November 6, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: #Brand new, hard to find title, ships in 2 to 24 hours (Inventory#shelf14)
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Product Description
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 was; 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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 23 more reviews...
 A fascinating primer on how we enjoy ourselves December 17, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I should start out by mentioning that I'm reviewing this book from more of a general knowledge standpoint than a purely video game related one.
A lot of other reviews have mentioned that there aren't many practical tips in this book, which is true, but that's why it's a theory of fun and not a handbook of rules. Theories pull basic meanings & principles out of a vast, murky subject that can later evolve into practical uses, in this case for video games or any other artistic medium.
The author breaks down our sense of enjoyment into more manageable & understandable categories, like social and aesthetic satisfactions. But the bulk of the book covers the enjoyment that comes from learning patterns and overcoming challenges, which he defines as "fun."
Although fun as Koster defines it is most evident in video games, the enjoyment that comes from learning and figuring things out could just as easily apply to a mystery novel as a puzzle game. Having a firm understanding of "fun" as well as the other types of enjoyment could benefit any artistic pursuit.
Another fascinating concept in "Theory of Fun" is the idea that all artforms become more and more complex until only a dedicated few can master it, at which point the artform either dies off or is reinvented to better suit the masses. This concept could explain the recent rise of the Wii, with its simple, accessible approach to games over more complex systems.
All in all, "A Theory of Fun for Game Design" isn't just ideas on how to build a better video game mousetrap, but a basic intro on enjoyment so we can hopefully learn to create work that's enjoyable for others.
 Self-absorbed designer angst October 9, 2007
1 out of 6 found this review helpful
There is actually a theory of fun buried in the book, but the time spent developing the theory is minimal. The rest of the book seems to be all about trying to justify choosing game design as a career. Geez! It's fun and you get paid. 'nuff said on that topic.
Excelent Book September 14, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is one of my first books i bought here at Amazon.
Im From Argentina and im studying Game Develop & Design. It is really good to read this kind of book because it really helps me on my develop here where the industry is staring recently.
It is an EXCELENT Book. It really acomplish everything i was looking for. It did, also, provide me a new sight of some matters when referring to Game Design.
I do disagree in some explications on the book but it is only my personal opinion and it doesn't make the book worst or anything.
It's a "HAD to HAVE.." book in your bookshelf.
Congratulations on the Writter!!
Required Reading, but not a Bible September 9, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Koster's presentation makes the book extremely accessible, but still quite in-depth. He covers all the necessary ground.
His theory does not venture far from previous work, but in sticking to accepted dogma, he offers a fairly comprehensive and clear compilation of ideas. This is what makes the book a good read for anyone looking for a foundation in theory related to games.
I found that many ideas in the first half of the book to be over-simplified. Though most issues are readdressed in the second half, his dual presentation created a sense of contradiction. Some early implications are later negated.
Koster also involves a bit much of his own tastes and artistic ethics. This is primarily in the latter portions of the book, but it was enough to turn me off. He goes into some description of how games "should" be, the responsibility of the designer, etc. That may be interesting to some, but I prefer to determine my own principles.
Theory of Fun would do well as required reading for anyone seeking an education in game design, and could be useful to anyone in art, but if you've already covered the field of theory, you may not be too impressed. Still, it's an easy read and rewarding.
I also suggest this book to anyone looking at games from the outside, anyone not involved in production or consumption. It can give the layman a good look into a new world and maybe close some generation gaps. Theory of Fun may be what we need to mail to our representatives to keep them from judging games to hastily.
-Chris Rock
http://blog.sokay.net
no useful tips August 18, 2007
2 out of 5 found this review helpful
Good games teach something so I wondered if knowing the "Theory of Fun" would help me teach. Could I convert some science data base into a game? Unfortunately I picked up no tips useful to me. The book describes fun, philosophizes about fun, has platitudes and personal opinions. Some reviews raised my expectations unrealistically.
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