Theory of Fun for Game Design

by Raph Koster
Theory of Fun for Game Design cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Design, and Photography
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Waterstones
Paperback • £35.99
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Technical
  • ID: 5759
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781932111972
  • Publisher: "O'Reilly Media, Inc."
  • Published: 2005-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Theory of Fun for Game Design offers a unique perspective on game structure and design, serving as both an inspiration guide for designers and a thought-provoking discussion on the nature of play and learning. It explores how we learn, why we play games, and the intricate connection between these two fundamental aspects of human behavior. The book is not just a practical tool for game designers but also a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding the deeper implications of gaming. It challenges conventional wisdom and offers fresh insights into the world of game design and the broader context of human interaction and learning.

Reviews
Hardcover · Jack · 2024-07-09
great 4.50

This book is a great and accessible introduction to game design, delving into the essence of play and fun. It is highly recommended for anyone looking to get into game design.

Jack's review on Hardcover praises this book as a genuinely great and accessible introduction to game design. They appreciate how the book delves into the essence of play and fun, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field. Jack highlights that the book is well-written and provides a deep understanding of what makes games enjoyable. They recommend it highly for both beginners and experienced game designers looking to gain a deeper appreciation of the fundamentals of game design.

Quick quotes

    This is a genuinely great and accessible book for people looking to get into game design.

    It delves into what 'play' is and how fun is created in games.

    Something I would recommend every game designer to pick up and read.

Venomite · 2017-12-26
great 4.50

The book is considered a great resource for game designers. It's accessible and provides valuable insights into game design.

This review emphasizes the book's value as a resource for game designers. They find it accessible and appreciate the insights it provides into game design. The reviewer recommends it highly, suggesting that it's a must-read for anyone in the field. They also mention that the book delves into what 'play' is and how fun is created, offering a unique perspective on game design.

Quick quotes

    Overall, A Theory of Fun for Game Design was a great book in my opinion.

    Something I would recommend every game designer to pick up and read.

    It delves into what 'play' is and how fun is created.

Cat Rambo's Blog · Cat Rambo · 2014-12-01
engaging 4.50

The book is highly recommended for its informative and entertaining illustrations. It offers a unique and engaging perspective on game design.

Cat Rambo's review of 'A Theory of Fun for Game Design' highlights the book's informative and entertaining illustrations, which add to its overall appeal. She recommends the book highly, noting that it offers a unique and engaging perspective on game design. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to delve into the underlying mechanics of gameplay and its thought-provoking insights into what makes a great game. The illustrations are particularly praised for being both informative and quirkily entertaining, making the book a enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    One of the many nice things about the book is the illustrations, which are both informative and quirkily entertaining.

    Highly recommended for anyone interested in game design.

    It delves into the underlying mechanics of the gameplay and opens up the question of what makes a great game tick.

Blog Critics · 2014-04-12
fascinating 4.00

This book provides fascinating insights into human interaction and is not limited to gamers. It offers a unique perspective on what makes games engaging and fun.

The reviewer from Blog Critics finds that this book offers fascinating insights into how people interact with games. They highlight that the book is not just for gamers but provides a unique perspective on what makes games engaging and fun. The reviewer appreciates the depth of analysis and the way the book explores the underlying mechanics of gameplay. They note that the book is both informative and entertaining, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in game design or human interaction.

Quick quotes

    It provides some fascinating insights into the ways in which people interact.

    In many ways, you do not need to be a gamer at all to get something out of this book.

    The book is both informative and quirkily entertaining.

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