A game designer is someone who can translate real and fictional experiences into engaging gameplay experiences and predict how valuable those gameplay experiences will be for players. They must understand game genres, systems, and mechanics. To become a good game designer, one should study experiences that interest them, play many different types and genres of games, and understand every aspect of game development. Divorcing emotion from design, never stopping playing games, understanding your role, and being open to ideas are important for becoming a truly excellent game designer.

1. What is a game designer?
A game designer is:
Someone that can translate real and fictional experiences into gameplay,
AND
Predict the value of those gameplay experiences.

2. Understanding game genres.
Real World Experiences Fictional Experiences
•Sports •High Fantasy
•Soccer, Football, Hockey •Tolkien, Conan
•Hunting, Fishing •Science Fiction
•Olympics, Snowsports •Star Trek, Star Wars
•Life and Jobs •Post Apocalypse
•Police, Fireman •Spaceship Sims
•Flying, Driving, Boating •Space Military
•Military •Zombies
•Disaster

3. Understanding game genres.
Genres
•Action
•Adventure
•Role Playing
•Shooters
•Simulation
•Strategy

4. Modern Games
•Action
•Adventure
•Role Playing
•Shooters
•Simulation
•Strategy

5. Understanding systems and mechanics.
What is a gameplay system?
A Gameplay system is the realization of transforming real or
fictional activities into gameplay.
Examples of Gameplay Systems
•Crafting Systems (WoW, Diablo, Everquest)
•Combat Systems (90% of games)
•Quest Systems (Any RPG)
•Social Hooks (Facebook games)
•Monetization Systems (Most Free to Play
games)

6. Understanding systems and mechanics.
What is a mechanic?
A gameplay mechanic is a component of a gameplay system.
Examples of Gameplay Mechanics
•Reload in Gears of War 3 (Combat)
•Sniper Rifles in any FPS (Combat)
•Answering a question in Mass Effect (Conversation)
•Devaluing goods after purchase in any RPG (Monetary)

7. Predict the value of gameplay experiences.
Experience
•Play Games
•Analyze Games
•Make Games

8. How do I become good at game design?
Study Experiences That Interest You Play Every Type of Game
•PC, Console, Handheld
•Read Books
•Every Genre
•Watch movies
•Board Games
•Play sports, fish, ride horses.
•Card Games
Understand Every Aspect of
Game Development
•Quality Assurance
•Programming
•Art
•Production
•Marketing

9. How do I become REALLY good at game design?
Divorce Emotion from Design Never Stop Playing Games
•Learn to kill your “babies”
•Try new genres
•Accept questions as questions
•Try playing old games differently
•Argue logically
•Play the obscure
•Listen carefully
Understand Your Role
•Explain your decisions
•Know when you don’t know
•Admit your mistakes (immediately)
•Accept ideas from others

10. Questions and answers.
Topics Covered in Lesson 01
Definition of Game
Game Genres
Designer
Systems and Good Game Design
Mechanics Principles

11. Homework!
Pick a game you LOVE!
Play it again.
•Write down, define and describe at least three game
systems from that game.
•For each system, write down at least 1 mechanic.
•For each system, write down what you like about it and
what you dislike about it (if anything).