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 4.56
Design, and Photography
Technical
  • ID: 5758
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781466598676
  • Publisher: CRC Press
  • Published: 2014-11-06
  • Reviews: 4

The Art of Game Design by Jesse Schell presents a comprehensive approach to game design by examining it through over 100 different perspectives, or lenses, drawn from fields such as psychology, architecture, music, and more. This Second Edition of the award-winning book provides practical instruction on how to make better game designs faster, demonstrating how tactics from board, card, and athletic games can be applied to video games. It offers valuable insights from one of the world's top game designers, making it an essential read for anyone looking to create world-class games that captivate players. Written by the former chair of the International Game Developers Association and award-winning designer of Disney online games, this book is a treasure trove of knowledge for both aspiring and experienced game designers. It not only delves into the deepest principles of game design but also provides actionable advice on how to implement these principles effectively. Whether you're a game developer, a student, or simply a game enthusiast, this book will equip you with the tools and perspectives needed to elevate your game design skills.

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.

Kula Blog · 2014-07-01
excellent 4.75

The book is highly recommended and considered excellent, even beyond the scope of game design. It's praised for its comprehensive coverage and practical insights.

This review emphasizes the book's widespread recommendation and its excellence. It's not just good on the level of game design; it's good on a much broader scale. The book covers a wide range of topics comprehensively and provides practical insights that are valuable for anyone interested in game design or related fields. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to offer a holistic view of game design, making it a must-read for both professionals and enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

    There is a reason why this book was recommended to me so many times.

    It's really good. I mean it's not even good on the level of game design ...

    It's praised for its comprehensive coverage and practical insights.

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