10 Best Video Game Design Books to Read in 2023

Video game design is essential because it allows creators to design and develop interactive and engaging digital experiences for players. Video game design encompasses various disciplines, including art, programming, writing, and sound design.

Through video game design, creators can bring their ideas to life and create immersive and interactive worlds for players to explore.

With the rising demand for gaming, video game design is also being given prominence. Here are the 10 best video game design books to read for all design enthusiasts in 2023.

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10 Best Video Game Design Books to Read in 2023

best video game design books

1. The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses by Jesse Schell

This is one of the best video game design books covering a wide range of topics, including the principles of game design, the process of designing and developing games, and the tools and techniques game designers use.

It also includes several hands-on examples and exercises to help readers apply the concepts they have learned.

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2. Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals by Salen and Zimmerman

The book covers a wide range of topics, including the history and evolution of games, the principles of game design, and the process of designing and developing games.

Overall, “Rules of Play” is one of the top video game books that is well-regarded in game design and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about the fundamentals of game design.

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3. The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing and Design by Flint Dille and John Zurr

The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing and Design
  • Dille, Flint (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 272 Pages - 01/08/2008 (Publication Date) - Lone Eagle (Publisher)

Last update on 2023-06-07 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This book covers many topics, including the basics of storytelling, character development, and game mechanics.

It is one of the best video game design books for all beginners and advanced interested in learning about the art and craft of video game writing and design.

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SaleBestseller No. 1
Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design
  • Rogers, Scott (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 560 Pages - 04/28/2014 (Publication Date) - Wiley (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 2
How to Make a Video Game All By Yourself: 10 steps, just you and a computer
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Hackett, Matt (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 217 Pages - 03/15/2022 (Publication Date) - Valadria (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 3
Code Gamers Development: Essentials: A 9-Week Beginner’s Guide to Start Your Game-Development Career
  • Colonna, A.E (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 226 Pages - 09/25/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published...
Bestseller No. 4
The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing and Design
  • Dille, Flint (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 272 Pages - 01/08/2008 (Publication Date) - Lone Eagle (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 5
Hands-On Unity 2022 Game Development: Learn to use the latest Unity 2022 features to create your first video game in the simplest way possible, 3rd Edition
41 Reviews
Hands-On Unity 2022 Game Development: Learn to use the latest Unity 2022 features to create your first video game in the simplest way possible, 3rd Edition
  • Borromeo, Nicolas Alejandro (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 712 Pages - 10/31/2022 (Publication Date) - Packt Publishing...

Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. A Theory of Fun for Game Design by Raph Koster

A Theory of Fun for Game Design by Raph Koster explores the concept of fun in game design. The book covers many topics, including the psychology of fun, mechanics, and the design of fun games.

It is one of the top video game design books, which is thought-provoking, informative, and valuable for all fun and design lovers.

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5. Game Programming Patterns by Robert Nystrom

Rober Nystrom has covered many topics, including data structures, algorithms, and design patterns commonly used in game development.

It also includes several hands-on examples and exercises to help readers apply the concepts they have learned. This makes it exciting and one of the best video game design books for all enthusiasts.

6. Games, Design, and Play: A Detailed Approach to Iterative Game Design by Colleen Macklin and John Sharp

This is a pragmatic step-by-step approach to game design for beginners and advanced. It is one of the top video game design books that covers game design in the modern era.

The author looks at game design as an art form with many perspectives, which gives an interesting read for all design lovers.

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7. Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design by Scott Rogers

The book covers a wide range of topics, including the principles of game design, the process of designing and developing games, and the tools and techniques game designers use.

It also includes several hands-on examples and exercises to help readers apply the concepts they have learned.

8. Game Feel: A Game Designer’s Guide to Virtual Sensation by Steve Swink

Game Feel: A Game Designer’s Guide to Virtual Sensation is a book by Steve Swink that explores the concept of “the game feels” in game design.

This is one of the best video game books that cover a wide range of topics, including the psychology of game feel, the mechanics of game feel, and the design of games that feel great to play.

It also includes some hands-on examples and exercises to help readers apply the concepts they have learned.

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9. Fundamentals of Game Design by Ernest Adams

The book covers a wide range of topics, including the principles of game design, the process of designing and developing games, and the tools and techniques game designers use.

Overall, “Fundamentals of Game Design” is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about game design, from beginners to experienced professionals.

10. Challenges for Game Designers by Brenda Brathwaite

The book provides a comprehensive overview and challenges of game design. The authors of this book cover a wide range of topics, including mechanics, aesthetics, and game design principles.

It also includes many hands-on examples and exercises to help readers apply the concepts they have learned.

Summary

These are the 10 best video game design books for beginners and advanced in our list. Why late? Pick your favorite and start reading it now!

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