Reddit reviews David Perry on Game Design: A Brainstorming ToolBox

David Perry on Game Design: A Brainstorming ToolBox.

http://www.amazon.com/David-Perry-Game-Design-Brainstorming/dp/1584506687

It is EXCEPTIONAL. Breaks down everything from common RPG stat systems to how to write dialog trees, how to create characters, design weapons, design levels, write design documents, put together art bibles..

It'd be helpful if you gave more context. What is the player's role and perspective in the game? What are the core gameplay elements? What is the set and setting of the game in more detail, e.g. pastoral or city, combat or none, wide variety (e.g. exploration) or more detailed (spend lots of time at one hearthplace), etc.

A blank canvas is harder for most people to start with than if you start with something.

For example, I would suggest swords if it were a fighting game, or including a setting where they might be stuck in the ground or a tree (war zone) or decor or just sitting (house or shed or armory), but not if it's a farming or family management sim during those times. They have lots of overlap, sure, but what about a sea-faring exclusive game? Etc...

I'd also recommend David Perry on Game Design's Part VII "Weapons and Armor"'s "Historical and Cultural Weapons" chapter.

Really that's a good thing and what they are aiming to do. http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/1584506687 is pretty good to read as well as http://books.google.be/books?id=-BCrex2U1XMC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false . Hope it helps

http://www.amazon.ca/David-Perry-Game-Design-Brainstorming/dp/1584506687

Over 1000 pages, this is one of the best books out there.

Do your own:

http://www.amazon.com/Game-Design-Workshop-Second-Edition/dp/0240809742

http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Game-Design-lenses/dp/0123694965/ref=pd_sim_b_1

http://www.amazon.com/Challenges-Game-Designers-Brenda-Brathwaite/dp/158450580X/ref=pd_sim_b_2

http://www.amazon.com/Level-Up-Guide-Great-Design/dp/047068867X/ref=pd_sim_b_2

http://www.amazon.com/David-Perry-Game-Design-Brainstorming/dp/1584506687/ref=pd_sim_b_13

My top three books are:


https://www.amazon.com/Art-Game-Design-Book-Lenses/dp/0123694965

https://www.amazon.com/David-Perry-Game-Design-Brainstorming/dp/1584506687

(more like an index of game design terms, ideal for brainstorming)

https://www.amazon.com/Game-Programming-Patterns-Robert-Nystrom/dp/0990582906

(more related to programming, but can give you a great insight how games should be structured, which can inform some design decisions)