In class on Thursday, September 13th, we’ll discuss the question “What is a Game?” Along with this there are some other terms we’ll try to figure out (what is fun? what is a toy?)
To help you prepare for that conversation, there are lots of things you could read. One I think is essential – but it’s the third chapter of a book, that only makes sense after you’ve read chapter 2 (which is best after you’ve read chapter 1). The second is a summary of the definitions that a lot of other people have given. So, ultimately this turns into a lot of reading (1-3 book chapters and a paper). Plus there are other good things as well.
The required readings (read before class on 9/13):
- Chapter 3 “The Experience Rises Out of a Game”, from Jesse Schell’s The Art of Game Design. Chapter 3 is required, but it pretty much requires you to read Chapter 2 first (so that is “somewhat required”). But Chapter 2 makes some reference to Chapter 1 (so chapter 1 is “recommended”). Either way, the whole book is (online @ UW library) and the chapters are in the protected reader (Ch1 Ch2 Ch3).
- “THE GAME, THE PLAYER, THE WORLD: LOOKING FOR A HEART OF GAMENESS” by Jesper Juul. LevelUp Conference Proceedings. A bit more academic, but gives lots of different perspectives. It’s a little redundant after Schell, so give it a quicker read. (official online) (protected reader)
After doing these readings, and before class, I want you to think about your experiences with games and how they relate to what you’ve read. That leads to Assignment 1.
