Design Library
A curated collection of books that have shaped my understanding of game design and art. These are the resources I return to again and again.
Game Design
The Art of Game Design
EssentialJesse Schell
Massive influence on game creation. Provides strong philosophical, anthropological and psychological insights into game design. One of the first books you should read.
Rules of Play
EssentialKatie Salen & Eric Zimmerman
Although already a classic, it is exactly what the subtitle says: Game Design Fundamentals. Essential reading for understanding the core principles.
Designing Games
Tynan Sylvester
Shows how game mechanics, compelling fiction and psychology can work together to craft great games.
A Theory of Fun for Game Designers
Raph Koster
This classic takes you deep into the influences that underlie modern video games, and examines the elements they share with traditional games.
Challenges for Game Designers
Brenda Brathwaite
Providing intelligent training through practice. An essential book on any game designer's shelf for hands-on exercises.
Game Design Workshop
Tracy Fullerton
Puts you to work prototyping, playtesting, and revising your own games with time-tested methods and tools.
Game Art & Animation
Drawing Basics and Video Game Art
EssentialChris Solarski
The book I searched for at least a year. Everyone interested in creating art for games should read this first.
3D Game Textures
Luke Ahearn
One of the best books when it comes to creating textures in Photoshop. Practical and hands-on approach.
The Animator's Survival Kit
EssentialRichard Williams
One of the most sold books on animation. Richard Williams worked for Walt Disney—his book about animation fundamentals is mandatory.
Draw Manga: Complete Skills
Sonia Leong
Great print quality and includes video tutorials. A solid choice among many manga drawing books.
Storytelling & Narrative
Ideas for the Animated Short
Karen Sullivan et al
Really helpful when it comes to the creation of a story. Focuses on short-form narrative techniques.
Writing Fiction for Dummies
Randy Ingermanson & Peter Economy
Great for learning procedural story development. Written by the developer of the Snowflake Method.
Understanding Comics
EssentialScott McCloud
How words and pictures work together. An innovative comic book that provides a detailed look at the history, meaning, and art of comics.
Reference & Interaction
The Illustrated Signs & Symbols Sourcebook
Adele Nozedar
Beautifully written and illustrated book for everyone who needs to know more about signs and symbols.
Designing Interactions
Bill Moggridge
Whether you design apps, games or products—there is no way around this book. A foundational text on interaction design.
Some links are affiliate links (Amazon PartnerNet). If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the creation of free educational content.