About the book
A deep dive into practical game design through playful philosophy and philosophical play.
What are video games made of? And what can that tell us about what they mean? In The Stuff Games Are Made Of, experimental game maker Pippin Barr explores the materials of video game design. Taking the reader on a deep dive into eight case studies of his own games, Barr illuminates the complex nature of video games and video game design, and the possibilities both offer for exploring ideas big and small.
Through a variety of engaging and approachable examples, Barr shows how every single aspect of a game—whether it is code, graphics, interface, or even time itself—can be designed with and related to the player experience. Barr’s experimental approach, with its emphasis on highly specific elements of games, will leave readers armed with intriguing design philosophy, conceptual rigor, and diverse insights into the inner life of video games. Upon finishing this book, readers will be ready to think deeply about the nature of games, to dive into expressive and experimental game design themselves, or simply to play with a new and expanded mindset.
Editions of The Stuff Games Are Made Of
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780262546119
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262375108
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262375115
Read an Excerpt
A deep dive into practical game design through playful philosophy and philosophical play.
What are video games made of? And what can that tell us about what they mean? In The Stuff Games Are Made Of, experimental game maker Pippin Barr explores the materials of video game design. Taking the reader on a deep dive into eight case studies of his own games, Barr illuminates the complex nature of video games and video game design, and the possibilities both offer for exploring ideas big and small.
Through a variety of engaging and approachable examples, Barr shows how every single aspect of a game—whether it is code, graphics, interface, or even time itself—can be designed with and related to the player experience. Barr’s experimental approach, with its emphasis on highly specific elements of games, will leave readers armed with intriguing design philosophy, conceptual rigor, and diverse insights into the inner life of video games. Upon finishing this book, readers will be ready to think deeply about the nature of games, to dive into expressive and experimental game design themselves, or simply to play with a new and expanded mindset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Stuff Games Are Made Of about?
A deep dive into practical game design through playful philosophy and philosophical play.
What are video games made of? And what can that tell us about what they mean? In The Stuff Games Are Made Of, experimental game maker Pippin Barr explores the materials of video game design. Taking the reader on a deep dive into eight case studies of his own games, Barr illuminates the complex nature of video games and video game design, and the possibilities both offer for exploring ideas big and small.
Through a variety of engaging and approachable examples, Barr shows how every single aspect of a game—whether it is code, graphics, interface, or even time itself—can be designed with and related to the player experience. Barr’s experimental approach, with its emphasis on highly specific elements of games, will leave readers armed with intriguing design philosophy, conceptual rigor, and diverse insights into the inner life of video games. Upon finishing this book, readers will be ready to think deeply about the nature of games, to dive into expressive and experimental game design themselves, or simply to play with a new and expanded mindset.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Stuff Games Are Made Of?
Computing and Information Technology > Digital Lifestyle and online world: consumer and user guides > Computer games / online games: strategy guides / companion works
Where can I read a sample of The Stuff Games Are Made Of?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780262546119
Is The Stuff Games Are Made Of part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Playful Thinking
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Stuff Games Are Made Of?
Pippin Barr
Who is the Publisher of the book The Stuff Games Are Made Of?
MIT Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Stuff Games Are Made Of is available as paperback(ISBN 9780262546119) and ebook(ISBN 9780262375108) and ebook(ISBN 9780262375115)
Where can I buy The Stuff Games Are Made Of online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Stuff Games Are Made Of from below
Where can I buy The Stuff Games Are Made Of?