Resources/Game Design Articles

What is a Good Game? by Mark Overmars
This is an excellant article on game design by the creator of Game Maker himself. It covers the simple question of "What is a game?" to more complicated issues like "Balance" and "Rewards." If you have any interest in game design at all this is a piece you definitely don't want to overlook.

Game design 101 by Tom Sloper
This contains lots of good advice from a former game designer, aimed towards freelance game developers this article will help you on many topics.

Rules of the Game by Mark Rosewater
Mark is head designer of Magic: The Gathering. While his articles have nothing to do with computers, many of them have important aspects of game design that often get overlooked. He explains the concepts as they relate to Magic, but they can be applied to any game as well.

Bursting with Flavor by Mark Rosewater
Mark divides the aspects of Magic into flavor and function, and explains the importance of each. Again, a concept that can be applied to all games. Akin to the debate of graphics vs. gameplay.

Lions and Tigers and Bears by Mark Rosewater
There's only one part of this article I find particularly useful. It's reason #5 of why does R&D uses themes. Mark talks about vertical variety, and to do so, explains horizontal variety. It's a very good concept that even amateur game designers need to be aware of.

Creating, Developing, and Balancing Your Game Concept by Constable
This is a helpful article on what makes a good game and a whole bunch of concepts about game design that I have never thought of before.

The Big List Of RPG Plots by S. John Ross
An older article and not specifically targeted at computer or video games but a good read if you are working on an RPG or any story driven or dramatic game.

The Grand List Of Console Role Playing Game Clichés
Humorous, but accurate, article regarding RPG clichés. These are things to avoid to help boost originality, or things to embrace to help boost classic RPG nostalgia.

Chris Crawford Library by Chris Crawford
Many articles about game design written by Chris Crawford (mentioned above). Chris Crawford was one of the first people to truly study, explore, and refine the many aspects of video game design from an academic perspective.

Articles for Independent Game Developers by Steve Pavlina
Comments: Several articles about independent game design. Lots of practical info about the non-technical side of getting a game off the ground, including team work, scheduling, and marketing.

The 400 Project by Noah Falstein
Somewhat abstract "project" that aims to reduce the various concepts of good and bad game design into the simplest yet best explained form possible. Slowly evolving and not much detailed information yet. Noah Falstein is a regular contributor to Game Developer Magazine. See his "Game Shui" column for more info about The 400 Project and his take on game design.

The Beginner's Guide To Game Creation! by Malachi Smith
Provides many detailed tips on what makes a good game, worth taking a look at if you're just beginning to use Game Maker and want to create an original game (IE. not a clone).

The Intermediate Creator's Guide To Game Creation! by Malachi Smith
Part Two of the above mentioned tutorial.

Tips for Becoming a Professional Game Designer by Collins College
Advice to help you get on the path to career success in the Game Design industry