The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses

by Jesse Schell
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses cover
Good Books rating 4.12
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  • ID: 5758
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781466598676
  • Publisher: CRC Press
  • Published: 2014-11-06
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Art of Game Design, Second Edition, is a comprehensive guide written by Jesse Schell, a renowned game designer and former chair of the International Game Developers Association. This award-winning book presents over 100 sets of questions, or lenses, drawn from fields such as psychology, architecture, music, visual design, film, software engineering, and more. These lenses provide unique perspectives for viewing and improving game design, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced designers. The book not only describes the fundamental principles of game design but also demonstrates how tactics used in board, card, and athletic games can be applied to video games. It offers practical instruction on creating engaging and high-quality games that players will enjoy repeatedly. Schell's expertise shines through as he shares valuable insights and techniques that have contributed to his success in designing award-winning Disney online games. The Art of Game Design, Second Edition, is an essential tool for anyone looking to make better game designs faster and more effectively. It serves as a bridge between theoretical concepts and practical application, making it a must-read for game developers and enthusiasts alike.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-24
comprehensive 4.40

The book is recommended for its comprehensive coverage of game design, even if not all ideas are agreed upon. The lenses and ideas around them are particularly noteworthy.

This reviewer recommends the book for its thorough exploration of game design principles. They appreciate the comprehensive nature of the content, even if they don't agree with every idea presented. The lenses and the concepts surrounding them are highlighted as particularly valuable, suggesting that the book offers a rich and varied perspective on game design.

Quick quotes

    I definitely recommend reading it, even if you don't agree with everything in it.

    The ideas around them are particularly noteworthy.

    The book is a great primer on almost every aspect of game design.

Amazon · 2025-10-24
insightful 4.60

The sections on harnessing the creative power of the subconscious mind are particularly insightful and delightfully written. It is immediately clear that Jesse Schell has a deep understanding of game design.

This review highlights the book's ability to tap into the subconscious mind as a particularly strong point. The reviewer finds these sections not only insightful but also delightfully written, suggesting that the author's passion and expertise shine through. The overall impression is that the book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in game design, offering unique perspectives and practical advice.

Quick quotes

    The sections on harnessing the creative power of the subconscious mind are particularly insightful and delightfully written.

    It is immediately clear that Jesse Schell has a deep understanding of game design.

    The book is recommended for its practical advice and unique perspectives.

Reddit - Game Design · 2023-01-01
practical 4.50

The book offers practical lessons that can be applied to game design, making it a valuable resource for professionals. The insights shared are relevant and useful for anyone working in the field.

This Reddit discussion highlights how Jesse Schell's book has become a go-to resource for game designers. The reviewer mentions that the lessons from the book have been applied to various projects, showcasing its practical value. The book is praised for its relevance and the useful insights it provides, making it a must-read for anyone in the game design industry. The community's consensus seems to be that the book is a great tool for both learning and applying game design principles.

Quick quotes

    Jesse Schell's book has lessons that I've applied to practically every game I've professionally worked on.

    I realize your comment is a year old, but I wanted to chime in and say that this book is still incredibly relevant.

    The practical advice and real-world examples make it a standout resource.

Reddit - GameDev · 2023-01-01
insightful 3.00

This book is a valuable resource for game design, offering thought-provoking questions rather than step-by-step instructions. It encourages a broader perspective on game creation.

This book is a treasure trove for anyone interested in game design. It doesn't provide a step-by-step guide but instead offers a collection of insightful questions that challenge your thinking. This approach helps you view your game from multiple angles, which is crucial for good game design. The book is more about fostering creativity and critical thinking than providing concrete answers. It's a great read for both beginners and experienced designers looking to refine their approach.

Quick quotes

    It's a good read and resource in my opinion, but it isn't exactly a how-to or step-by-step guide sort of book.

    Instead it gives you many questions you should ask yourself when designing a game.

    It's a surprisingly riveting read for what is essentially a standard text book.

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