'Rules of Play' unravels the intricacies of game design, bridging the worlds of play and structure. Authors Katie Salen Tekinbas and Eric Zimmerman explore the fundamental principles that govern gameplay, offering a framework that is both innovative and accessible. Through engaging examples and thought-provoking concepts, they challenge readers to rethink what games can achieve. This book serves as a compelling guide for both budding designers and seasoned developers alike, revealing the deeper connections between play and human experience. Discover the hidden rules that transform mere amusement into a profound form of expression!
By Katie Salen Tekinbas, Eric Zimmerman
Published: 2003
"Games are not just a source of entertainment; they are a lens through which we can explore the complexity of human interaction and creativity."
An impassioned look at games and game design that offers the most ambitious framework for understanding them to date. As pop culture, games are as important as film or television—but game design has yet to develop a theoretical framework or critical vocabulary. In Rules of Play Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman present a much-needed primer for this emerging field. They offer a unified model for looking at all kinds of games, from board games and sports to computer and video games. As active participants in game culture, the authors have written Rules of Play as a catalyst for innovation, filled with new concepts, strategies, and methodologies for creating and understanding games. Building an aesthetics of interactive systems, Salen and Zimmerman define core concepts like "play," "design," and "interactivity." They look at games through a series of eighteen "game design schemas," or conceptual frameworks, including games as systems of emergence and information, as contexts for social play, as a storytelling medium, and as sites of cultural resistance. Written for game scholars, game developers, and interactive designers, Rules of Play is a textbook, reference book, and theoretical guide. It is the first comprehensive attempt to establish a solid theoretical framework for the emerging discipline of game design.
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“Games are not just a source of entertainment; they are a lens through which we can explore the complexity of human interaction and creativity.”
Rules of Play
By Katie Salen Tekinbas, Eric Zimmerman
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Katie Salen Tekinbas is a distinguished author, designer, and educator known for her influential contributions to the fields of game design and education. She is co-author of the highly regarded book "Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals," which has become a seminal text in game studies and design education. Salen Tekinbas's writing is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, blending concepts from art, technology, and pedagogy to explore how games can enhance learning and engagement. Her work often emphasizes the potential of interactive experiences to foster critical thinking and collaboration among diverse audiences. In addition to her writing, she has been an advocate for innovative game design practices and has played a pivotal role in establishing game design as a credible academic field.
Eric Zimmerman is an acclaimed author and game designer, known for his innovative contributions to interactive storytelling and game mechanics. He has co-authored several influential books in the field, including 'Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals' and 'How to Play Test Games.' Zimmerman's writing style is characterized by clarity, insight, and an engaging narrative that blends theory with practical examples. His work often explores the intersection of play, design, and culture, making significant contributions to both literature and game studies.
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