Practical Game Design: A modern and comprehensive guide to video game design

I was asked to read this book and give a review. I will start by saying that I liked it so much that I bought a physical copy for my office!As a slot machine game designer for over 17 years, I admittedly wasn’t sure this book was for me or my industry as a subset of game design, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. While certain chapters are more applicable to video games or social games, the overall content, simplicity & structure of this book was incredibly useful.I will definitely be sharing this with my team as well as my stakeholders to help them understand some of the best practices, nuances, and process used to effectively design games.The authors did an excellent job breaking it all down and I highly recommend this to anyone in the field or trying to get into a career in Game Design’

I was asked to review this book. This book gave me everything I needed to know about Game Design. The prototyping section and the explanations of mechanics were really helpful and I am currently using it. I will purchase a physical copy for my collection. I do not have many Packt books with physical copies, but this one will be on my bookshelf.

Having just completed "Practical Game Design 2nd Edition" by Adam Kramarzewski and Ennio De Nucci, I am thoroughly impressed by its depth and relevance in today's dynamic gaming landscape. This book strikes a perfect balance, catering to both beginners and industry veterans, offering a treasure trove of insights into the art and science of game development.Right from the start, the authors exhibit a profound understanding of the intricate world of game design. Their writing is not only clear and engaging but also firmly grounded in the current gaming industry realities. This ensures that the knowledge shared within these pages is not only informative but also highly applicable.The book's standout feature is its comprehensive coverage of the game development process. From the initial spark of an idea to the intricacies of design, prototyping, balancing, user experience, and even the nuances of running games as a service, this book leaves no stone unturned. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, you'll find invaluable insights to enrich your understanding.What truly sets this book apart is its ability to simplify complex concepts. The authors emphasize hands-on experience, urging readers to actively engage with the content. The inclusion of practical techniques, real-world examples, and case studies makes the learning journey both immersive and interactive.As someone experienced in the industry, I greatly appreciate the book's focus on adaptability, iterative development, and agile methodologies – essential skills in the rapidly evolving gaming landscape. It seamlessly bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application.

If you are interested in what a game designer CAN do, this book will give you a huge breadth of knowledge that will help keep you well-rounded. For a beginner, this will help you understand and give some solid information on all of the hats a game designer may be expected to wear. For those of us who have been around the block a few times, it is a great refresher and is incredibly helpful for showing what we may be a bit rusty on.Game design is varied, and has a wide, wide net for all of the things game designers do. I've been working as a designer for over a decade, and I learned a lot from this book, and I would recommend this book to aspiring or existing game designers.

If you're curious about the extensive scope of a game designer's role, this book offers a comprehensive wealth of knowledge to help you maintain a well-rounded understanding. For newcomers, it serves as a valuable resource, providing solid insights into the multifaceted responsibilities that game designers often shoulder. For seasoned professionals, it serves as a valuable refresher and aids in revisiting areas that may have become a bit rusty over time.The field of game design is incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide array of tasks and responsibilities. With over a decade of experience as a game designer, I personally gained substantial insights from this book. I wholeheartedly recommend it to both aspiring and established game designers.(Special thanks to Namita!)

As a recent graduate from a top Game Design program I wish this had been the book we were given to study throughout my time there. It is more relevant to the current industry trends than what I read during my education. Several sections stand out to me because they provided additional knowledge in areas that weren't a huge focus in my program. Understanding Monetization Techniques and Mastering Games as a Service are a huge boon to anyone struggling to really understand how make their projects financially successful. These sections are broken down into easily understandable pieces, especially for those gamers that grew up without in-app purchases in their games.Overall I felt the pacing was logical and simulates the ideal way to approach creating a game from start to release.

Practical Game Design is a really good book that takes you through the process of making a game from beginning to end including how to make game prototypes and how to make your games accesible which is rare for a game design book.It is easy to understand and because of that it is a great book for beginners and experienced people as well.In conclusion I think that this book is a must-have addition to the library of anyone serious about game design. It's a valuable resource that not only imparts knowledge but also ignites creativity and passion for creating exceptional gaming experiences.