Uncertainty in Games (Playful Thinking series)
Once again, Greg Costikyan has given us an original and insightful angle on game design. In a world inundated with overwrought megabytes about fun, graphics, and immersion, Costikyan shows that an analysis of the role of uncertainty in games sheds important light on the process of game design. This book should be required reading for game designers.(Chris Crawford, former head of Atari's Games Research Group, and founder of the Game Developers Conference)Until now, uncertainty has been a shadowy concept in the world of game design; hard to put a finger on, hard to pin down. In this incisive text, rich with examples, Greg Costikyan captures uncertainty, dissects it, analyzes it, then miraculously brings it back to life and sets it free, all in the name of showing us what uncertainty truly is: the secret force that makes us love games.(Jesse Schell, Carnegie Mellon University; CEO, Schell Games)Greg Costikyan is a true veteran of the game industry. His career spans the earliest online videogames, tabletop role-playing games and wargames, and recent Facebook and casual hits.Uncertainty in Gamesputs Costikyan's considerable experience and pointed intellect to good use. The result is some of the most insightful, accessible, and witty writing about games in recent memory. There is one thing I have no uncertainty about: my game design students will be readingUncertainty in Games.(Eric Zimmerman, independent game designer & founding faculty, NYU Game Center)Uncertainty in Gamesis sure to provide readers of all stripes many satisfying 'Aha!' moments. For gamers, those might take the form of 'That's why I got hooked on Game X.' For developers, there's a wealth of specific advice for providing deeper, more surprising experiences. Academics will discover new tools of critical analysis rooted in the unique perspective of a hands-on game designer. Even publishers will find insights into how better to retain players and monetize them more effectively. In this brief, easy read, Costikyan truly does offer something for everyone.(Warren Spector, award-winning veteran game developer)