#26 - The Art of Game Design - Chapter 30, 31, 32

These three chapters all focus on things a bit beyond the game.

Chapter 30 - The Game Transforms the Player

Jesse Schell brings up the topic of violence in video games.  I can't say I have any belief that the game transforms the player, but I do believe games change the way players think.  That is, games can be inspirational, but so can movies or books.  A lot of my core theories on fun center themselves around my big three - books, movies, games.  For me, they're all the same in some general theory on fun.  The second major topic in this chapter concerns the habit of addiction.  Agreeably, games are addictive.  Most entertainment simply is, however.

Chapter 31 - Designers have Certain Responsibilities

As a game designer, you find it in your interests as a hobby.  When you design games for the industry however, you are now representing the industry.  As a consequence, the industry also defines you.  Carrying that definition with you assigns you with responsibilities.  When you realize that your game can transform people, you realize that it is your duty to transform them positively.

Chapter 32 - Each Designer has a Motivation

Any game designer needs to understand their motivation.  It is the reason they get the job done.  But the question is, what exactly is your motivation?  And if it isn't worth your time, your motivation isn't strong enough.

#25 - The Art of Game Design Chapters 21,22,25

Chapter 21 - Some Games are Played with Other Players

This chapter introduces the concept of playing with other players, by stating that humans try to avoid being alone.  (Most humans at least.)  Multiplayer components are important to some games, because it provides humans a way to play the game and avoid being alone.  This chapter is largely just a precursor to the next, in which communities are the formed center of discussion in multiplayer games.

Chapter 22 - Other Players Sometimes Form Communities

The discussion of a community brings many topics to the table.  Players must have a way to take part in the community as though it were a real-life community.  For this, the lens of expression is introduced.  It is mentioned that at the heart of any community is conflict, but this is not always true - some games are cooperation based, and some are based purely on meeting others; i.e. a tea-party. moderators.

The lens of griefing is introduced to discuss the topic of players misbehaving in the game society.  Any community needs to be managed and policed; typically through game masters and

Lens #85: The Lens of Expression

Lens #86: The Lens of Community

Lens #87: The Lens of Griefing

Chapter 25 - Good Games Are Created Through Playtesting

Playtesting in this game is discussed as a component in game design that is necessary to ensuring and enhancing the fun of the game.  Although the author admits to hating to do playtesting; it is a crucial stage of design that he splits into four groups: focus groups, usability testing, playtesting (general testing) and QA testing.  Focus groups or surveys are sometimes powerful tools when done right.  Questions of interest to focus on are who (does the survey/testing), when (are you testing), what (are you testing), why, and where.

Lens #91: The Lens of Playtesting