If you’re passionate about creating your own video game, then Level Up: The Guide to Great Video Game Design by Scott Rogers is a must-read. Widely recognized as one of the top resources for aspiring game designers, this book has become a go-to guide for everything from the basics of game creation to project management and even monetization. Now, fans and newcomers alike can look forward to an updated version: the third edition releases on December 5, and preorders are available now for $50.
What’s New in This Edition?
The third edition of Level Up builds on the previous editions with new insights, two additional chapters, and even a personal touch: Rogers has included his own chili recipe! This updated version remains accessible for all experience levels and features over 400 illustrations to help readers visualize essential game design concepts. According to the book’s description, readers will learn how to write engaging stories and lore, design levels, create pitch-ready documents, and prepare to present a game to publishers. With such a comprehensive approach, it’s no wonder Level Up! has been a best-seller in the game design community.
If you’re interested in expanding your game design library, there are several other titles that can complement Level Up!
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses by Jesse Schell – This unique guide presents over 100 “lenses” or perspectives, encouraging designers to see their work from new angles and ask critical questions about their games.
Theory of Fun for Game Design by Raph Koster – Delving into what makes games enjoyable and engaging, this book explores the deeper psychology of why we play games and how to design them with these principles in mind.
The Creative Gene by Hideo Kojima – For fans of storytelling in games, this book by the creator of Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding reveals the influences and inspirations behind his iconic creations.
Significant Zero: Heroes, Villains, and the Fight for Art and Soul in Video Games by Walt Williams – A behind-the-scenes look at the creative challenges of game development from the writer of Spec Ops: The Line.
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by Jason Schreier – This book sheds light on the highs and lows of the video game industry, offering real-world insight into the complex process of game development.
For those interested in storytelling, Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction is also worth checking out. Though it’s mainly for sci-fi and fantasy writers, it provides a great foundation in world-building and narrative structure that can be useful for game creators too.
With the new edition of Level Up! and these other essential reads, there’s no shortage of guidance available for anyone looking to break into the world of game design. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re ready to bring your big ideas to life, these books offer the tools and insights you need to make it happen.
