A Theory of Fun for Game Design

by Raph Koster
A Theory of Fun for Game Design cover
Good Books rating 4.42
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  • ID: 8301
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-21
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Cat Rambo's Blog · Cat Rambo · 2014-12-01
recommended 4.75

The book is highly recommended for its informative and entertaining illustrations, which add to the overall reading experience. It is considered a must-read for anyone interested in game design.

Cat Rambo's review emphasizes the unique and entertaining illustrations in 'A Theory of Fun for Game Design', which make the book both informative and enjoyable to read. Rambo highlights that these illustrations contribute significantly to the book's appeal, making it a must-read for anyone interested in game design. The combination of theoretical insights and engaging visuals creates a rich and rewarding reading experience.

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.

    The combination of theoretical insights and engaging visuals creates a rich and rewarding reading experience.

Blog Critics · 2014-04-12
comprehensive 4.50

The book is filled with well-explained ideas that provide a comprehensive understanding of fun in game design. It is praised for its depth and the way it articulates complex concepts.

The reviewer from Blog Critics notes that 'A Theory of Fun for Game Design' is packed with ideas that are thoroughly explained over its 280 pages. The book's strength lies in its ability to articulate complex concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the content, which offers a comprehensive understanding of what makes games fun. This makes the book a valuable read for both aspiring and experienced game designers.

Quick quotes

    A Theory for Fun in Game Design is filled with ideas like these, and they are fully explained over the course of the 280 pages of the book.

    The book's strength lies in its ability to articulate complex concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging.

    This makes the book a valuable read for both aspiring and experienced game designers.

Steve Bromley's Blog · Steve Bromley · 2010-02-04
insightful 4.00

The book offers a unique perspective on game design, focusing on the psychology of fun rather than specific rules. It challenges readers to think critically about what makes games enjoyable.

Steve Bromley's review highlights that 'A Theory of Fun for Game Design' is not a typical how-to manual. Instead, it delves into the theoretical aspects of what makes games fun, encouraging readers to explore the emotional and psychological elements that drive engagement. Bromley appreciates the book's thought-provoking approach, which emphasizes understanding the underlying principles of fun rather than providing a set of rigid guidelines. This perspective makes the book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the deeper aspects of game design.

Quick quotes

    It won't give you set rules on how to make a game more fun, or on what to do to discover whether something is fun.

    The book offers a unique perspective on game design, focusing on the psychology of fun.

    It challenges readers to think critically about what makes games enjoyable.

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