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Rules of Play by Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman — WisdomDeck honest review
Honest review · Character

Rules of Play

by Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman

The foundational textbook of game design: rules, play, culture, meaningful choice, with schemas and case studies. Dense and definitive.

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Read it if…

you design games or want to understand them deeply.

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Skip it if…

you want a light read on play.

Try instead: The Narcissism Epidemic →

Three things you will actually use

  1. Meaningful play is discernible and integrated.
  2. Rules create possibility.
  3. Design iteratively.

Do this first

Read the chapters on meaningful play.

Our verdict

Game design fundamentals.

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Check it out

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