Track 2: Art of Game Design

November 2 - December 5, 2015

We want to make absolutely sure that we are not misleading you. This iteration of the book club is not a hands-on session on how to design a game. We will actually be reading and discussing the topic of the art of game design.

Why are we doing the art of game design?

We want to explore what game design actually is so that educators can understand it, build games and talk and teach in meaningful way when they have their students build games.

We don't want to conflate game jams with summer camp activities. We want educators to understand games, the way art teachers understand art. Everyone can enjoy the activity but there is a difference between finger-painting in a kindergarten class and a studio experience in college.

So using a novel, a free app, a supplemental textbook actually named The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, additional sites, articles and some selected games, we will look at the art of game design. This will include discussion of what a game designer does and the other positions in a game company. We will also be looking at Game Jams and industry events that where we can watch livestreamed or recorded. We will have guest speakers who design games and organize Game Jams. 

You by Austin Grossman takes us into Black Arts game development company. While nothing like Ready Player One, it does take back to the 1990s and how studios developed from a bunch of kids working out of the family garage.

Mobile App - The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses

The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses by Jesse Schell 2nd edition (supplemental)