What Is Covered in This Book

Game Design Essentials is written to help people who have an interest in creating games and may wish to segue into this field, and for students already in school. The book's web page is located at www.sybex.com/go/gamedesignessentials, where you can download files mentioned in the book and additional documents.

Chapter 1: Game Design Origins In order to understand how games are designed and created today, you'll examine their historical origins. This chapter includes a look at some of the earliest games known to man and how their design and gameplay are apparent in modern productions.

Chapter 2: Gameplay Styles This chapter examines what gameplay styles are and how important they are to a successful product. Too often, new game makers focus on the look of the game, when in fact the most important component of a successful game is gameplay. You'll study elements that make up good gameplay and review the major categories of gameplay style.