Casual Game Design

by Gregory Trefry

From Windows Solitaire to Bejeweled to Wii Tennis , casual games have radically changed the landscape of games. By simplifying gameplay and providing quick but intense blasts of engaging play, casual games have drawn in huge new audiences of players. To entertain and engage the casual player, game designers must learn to think about what makes casual games work, from game mechanics to narrative content. Through the close examination of a number of casual games, you will learn how to inject the necessary game design elements into your casual games and give your designs the complexity and strategy they need to hook gamers. You will

Genres: Game Design, Games, Nonfiction, Programming, Reference

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Sogon Leong · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book suitable for budding game developers, especially if they are interested in casual game design. Breaks down gameplay into simple-to-understand game mechanics.

[Robert Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderfully done. Easily my second favorite book on game design behind Schell's. Obviously it has a strong focus on the casual market, and the mechanics studied follow accordingly. However, many of the principles discussed are easily adapted and apply to more hardcore games.

My only gripe is the ending. Big finish, it was not. I had to wonder whether it was by design, in a kind of self-reflective statement about casual games -- which traditionally don't include a grand ending (if they even have a traditional ending at all).

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with many example game mechanics.