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Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals

by Katie Salen Tekinbas and Eric Zimmerman

A foundational text that explores the principles of game design, essential for understanding game mechanics and their impact.

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The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses

by Jesse Schell

Provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing and designing games, enhancing your analytical and creative skills.

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Game Mechanics: Describing the Rules of Play

by K. Salen and E. Zimmerman

A detailed exploration of game mechanics, crucial for documenting and presenting your analyses effectively.

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Challenges for Game Designers

by Brenda Brathwaite and Ian Schreiber

Offers practical challenges that enhance your ability to innovate and analyze game mechanics in real-world contexts.

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The Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games

by Tracy Fullerton

Focuses on a play-centric approach to game design, fostering innovation and practical analysis skills.

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Game Feel: A Game Designer's Guide to Virtual Sensation

by Steve Swink

Explores the sensory aspects of games, providing insights into player engagement and mechanics that enhance your analysis.

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Designing Games: A Guide to Engineering Experiences

by Tynan Sylvester

Combines theory and practical insights, guiding you to innovate upon existing mechanics in your designs.

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The Game Maker's Toolkit: A Guide to Game Design

by Mark Brown

Offers practical guidance on game design principles, helping you to analyze and present game mechanics effectively.

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Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design

by Scott Rogers

While focused on video games, this book provides transferable insights into mechanics that can enrich your board game analysis.

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Game Programming Patterns

by Robert Nystrom

Essential for understanding design patterns in games, this book enhances your analytical skills and documentation practices.

Dive into these essential readings to elevate your understanding of game mechanics and enrich your course experience. Let their insights guide your journey!