Before you start designing your own games, mods, or levels, it is important that you have a firm understanding of the game design basics. This includes understanding the heart of the video game medium, mechanics, interplay, variation, and counterpoint. On top of this, it wouldn't hurt to become familiar with the critical theories I've developed.
So if you're looking for an entry point into the level of discourse within the Critical-Gaming Network, a place to start developing your critical-eye, or seeking a crash course in game design then here is where you start.
First of all, if you can get your hands on a copy of the book Half-Real by Jesper Juul, read it cover to cover. This book jump started my journey into developing Critical-Gaming. The foundation and language Half-Real builds is indispensable. After reading the book, make your way through these articles.
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Mechanics
- Dialogue: The Mechanics of Language
- Mechanics and Abstractions part.1
- Mechanics and Abstractions part.2
- Mechanics and Abstractions part.3
Introduction
Interplay
Variation
Counterpoint
Complexities
Predicting Emergence
Linearity & Emergence
- Linearity. Emergence. Convergence pt.1
- Linearity. Emergence. Convergence pt.2
- Linearity. Emergence. Convergence pt.3
- Linearity. Emergence. Convergence pt.4
- Linearity. Emergence. Convergence pt.5
- Linearity. Emergence. Convergence pt.6
- Linearity. Emergence. Convergence pt.7
- Linearity. Emergence. Convergence pt.8
- Linearity. Emergence. Convergence pt.9
Depth & Complexity
- Depth From Complexity pt.1
- Depth From Complexity pt.2
- Depth From Complexity pt.3
- Complexity From Simplicity pt.1
- Complexity From Simplicity pt.2
- Complexity From Simplicity pt.3
- Complexity From Simplicity pt.4
- Complexity From Simplicity pt.5
Evaluating Combat
- Appraising the Art of Combat pt.1
- Appraising the Art of Combat pt.2
- Appraising the Art of Combat pt.3
- Appraising the Art of Combat pt.4
- Appraising the Art of Combat pt.5
- Appraising the Art of Combat pt.6
- Appraising the Art of Combat pt.7
- Appraising the Art of Combat pt.8
- Appraising the Art of Combat pt.9
- Appraising the Art of Combat pt.10
- Appraising the Art of Combat pt.11
Interesting Choices
- Interesting Choices: Interesting Gameplay pt.1
- Interesting Choices: Interesting Gameplay pt.2
- Interesting Choices: Interesting Gameplay pt.3
- Interesting Choices: Interesting Gameplay pt.4
- Interesting Choices: Interesting Gameplay pt.5
- Interesting Choices: Interesting Gameplay pt.6
- Interesting Choices: Interesting Gameplay pt.7
- Interesting Choices: Interesting Gameplay pt.8
- Interesting Choices: Interesting Gameplay pt.9
Digital Truth