Rules of play
Katie Salen • 2003 • The MIT Press
- Author
- Katie Salen
- First published
- 2003
- Publisher
- The MIT Press
- Genres
- Art
- Subjects
- Computer games · Programming · Design
- ISBN
- 9780262240451
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Where it came from
Rules of Play was authored by Katie Salen Tekinbaş and Eric Zimmerman and published by The MIT Press in 2003. Born out of a burgeoning need for a rigorous academic framework in the field of game design, the book was written while both authors were deeply involved in the New York City game development scene and teaching at institutions like Parsons School of Design. Its creation was intended to synthesize disparate theories from sociology, psychology, and systems design into a cohesive pedagogical tool for a medium that was rapidly maturing but lacked a unified lexicon.
The design and structure of the book, which emphasizes a 'rules-based' approach to game studies, were heavily influenced by the authors' desire to move beyond mere aesthetic analysis and into the mechanics of play. By focusing on concepts like systems, uncertainty, and the 'magic circle,' they provided a foundational text that bridged the gap between game theory and practical development. Upon its release, it was widely received as a seminal work in the discipline, effectively establishing the standard curriculum for university-level game design programs worldwide.
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About Rules of play
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