Patricia Pizer (Rogue Crew), Disney Interactive Studios

Problem statement

Burgeoning game designers and veterans alike constantly seek good resources for expanding or establishing knowledge of a particular subject area. I’ve seen a few lists that made a small attempt at building a comprehensive list but they’ve been short and haven’t provided the sort of info that would help someone decide whether something was worth their read or not. Additionally, game designers need some things other than books to learn from and need that information as well. For instance, games to play, related subject areas, etc.

A brief statement of a solution to this problem

Creation of a website (within www.gamecabal.org) which lists, categorizes, reviews and provides basic publishing information on the resources a game designer ought to consider (such as a link to purchase and the ISBN number). Each item will be read and reviewed by the Horseshoe workgroup and the information will be posted. The site will be publicly available but not editable. The workgroup will be the keeper of the site contents.

In addition to books, the site will contain game recommendations and other related information that game designers will find of use in expanding their knowledge base of game design. It might even have some fun silly stuff.

Finally, the site will be implemented in such a way that is fun and interactive and follows some of the central tenets of good design, probably using a Flash interface to keep the screens lively.

Action Items

Expanded problem statement

Providing a working reference resource for burgeoning and established game designers is something that the community has long sought and never really adequately gotten. This needs to be remedied so that any designer can quickly access or direct another designer to the resource.

Expanded solution description

A considerable number of books have been photographed for the creation of a highly interactive site. Cover shots are being taken so as the spines are difficult to read or recognize. I’ve recruited a Flash developer to work on implementing an interactive interface which will provide key information, a review, other notes and purchasing links as well as good cover shots. It is not yet live as certain aspects have proven to be more problematic than anticipated. Once the site is live, I will post to the PH list and request feedback. As I’ve not read every book in the collection, I invite PH members to send me their reviews of the books if I’ve not yet posted any (it seems unfair to review something I’ve not read). :)

That input will be reviewed and added in to the site. Different categories of books will lead slightly deeper into the “library” adding to the sense of exploring an organized yet fun environment. New categories and entries will end up with their own space so as not to have the re-shoot spine shots every time a new book comes out (or to my attention).

section 10

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1. Introduction  2. Speakers  3. Executive Summary  
4. Concept Sketches for Game Design: Best Practices for Prototyping within the Game Industry
5. Multiplayer Game Atoms
6. Game Designer as Artist
7. Please, Let Me Play the Game I Bought
8. The Gaming Date
9. Dramatic Choices
10. Game Designer's Bookshelf
11. Project Unity
12. Schedule & Sponsors