The Game Inventor's Guidebook

[OmnivoreInk]

by Brian Tinsman, 2002

I checked this out of my local library today and its pretty interesting... didn't address what I wanted to know, which was how to actually design an online gaming system (indeed this doesn't cover online games at all), but for board games etc. it's pretty good.

Here's the TOC:

1. How they diid it:
Trivial Pursuit
Magic, the Gathering
Dungeons & Dragons
Pokemon Trading Card Game
Interview with an inventor
Interview with a publisher

2. How the industry works
1. What's in it for you
2. How new games happen
3. Anatomy of a publisher
4. Markets for games

3. Games and companies you should know
1. Mass market games you should know
2. Mass market companies you should know
3. Hobby games you should know
4. Hobby companies you should know
5. American specialty games and companies you should know
6. European specialty games and companies you should know

4. Self publishing
1. What am I getting into
2. Before you print
3. After you print

5. Selling a game step by step
1. How to invent a game
2. Game design
3. Game development
4. Targeting publishers
5. Before you submit
6. Eight submission strategies
7. Contacting publishers
8. Protecting your property
9. What to do if they don't say yes
10. What to do if they do say yes!
11. The game industry's dirty little secret

6. Resources and examples
Publishers and mnufacturers
Distributors
Brokers
Game conventions and trade shows
Industry publications
Sample query letter
Sample record of disclosure
Sample licensing agreement
Sample option agreement

[litekepr]

Sounds interesting. I used to make up my own board games when I was a kid. Too bad I didn't save any of them Actually, I had lots and lots of games I created along with all the pieces that were needed. This does sound interesting and if I get caught up, I'd like to take a look at it.

DId you do a search for online game info? It seems like I've seen info in some of my searches, but I can't remember the search words I used. It seems the online gaming community changes frequently and the most up to date info would be online -- but I could be wrong

Shri

[litekepr]

I was checking on www.paperbackswap.com for the book you mentioned and I found this one. I was thinking this might have some interesting tips I could use in my character creation for my books

Creating Emotion in Games: The Craft and Art of Emotioneering

ISBN-13: 9781592730070
ISBN-10: 1592730078
Publisher: New Riders Publishing
Publication Date: 2003-09-15
Pages: 500
Book Type: Paperback

David Freeman brings you the inside scoop on how to apply the Emotioneering™ techniques he's so well known for. These powerful techniques create a breadth and depth of emotion in a game, and induce a player to identify with the role he or she is playing. Mr. Freeman's techniques are so highly sought after because they're the key to mass market success in today's competitive game market. The over 300 distinct Emotioneering techniques in this book include (to name but a few): ways to give emotional depth to an NPC (non-player character), even if the NPC has just one line of dialogue; techniques to bond a player to a game's NPCs; and techniques to transform a game into an intense emotional journey. In a warm and crystal-clear style, Mr. Freeman provides examples which demonstrate exactly how to apply the techniques. He also shows how some of these techniques were utilized in, and contributed greatly to the success of such games as "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City"; "Deus Ex"; and "Thief" I & II, among others. The book is packed with striking art by some of today's top concept artists and illustrators, including an eight-page color section and a four-color, fold-out cover. When you've finished this book, you'll be equipped to apply Mr. Freeman's powerful Emotioneering techniques to artfully create emotion in the games you design, build, or produce.

[OmnivoreInk]

you'll be equipped to apply Mr. Freeman's powerful Emotioneering techniques to artfully create emotion in the games you design, build, or produce.

Would that I had the skill to do any of that...

I've got the story writing skills, but I lack the knowledge to actually design the game I want...I need to find a partner!