Customer Reviews

Paid to Play: The Business of Game Design

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This self-published book doesn't have the glossy production or heavy-hitter interviews of The Game Inventor's Guidebook, but if you ignore the clipart, you'll see that Keith Meyers knows what he's talking about. He spends only a few pages painting the big picture of the game industry; this book is mainly concerned with details. For instance, it talks about how to build a prototype (a subject that The Game Inventor's Guidebook neglects). His story about Apples to Apples, which was prototyped as an overly complicated board game called Apples to Oranges, is a great read.

Overall, this 87-pager is a useful, but non-essential, supplement to The Game Inventor's Guidebook.

It is a small book, but so useful.
As Tinsman book is focused to the marketing, but has also great tips in design, prototyping and writing of a manual.
It is easy reading and practical.
No stories, just to the point. Maybe it remains a little short.

Great book!
Keith Meyers knows the subject, and provides useful information. I'm glad I read it!

I run the Chicago Board Game Design Meetup. Keith's book is a terrific starting point for anyone interested in game design, as it covers a broad range of topics very concisely. Its short length and clear explanations make it much less intimidating. While there are certainly more comprehensive texts on the topic out there, this is a terrific text for anyone who wants to get started.

A very good intro to this industry, it is honest without crushing hope. I think that anyone developing a game that wishes to sell to their game to industry or self-publish should read this book before spending hundreds of hours and dollars developing something, that you may end up re-working (probably for the better) after reading this book. Understand this is a primer, not a step by step manual. It also outlines some don'ts/traps to avoid in the presentation of your idea (to businesses that might be interested in your game) ...that beginners like me might otherwise have fallen into.

This isn't the perfect book -- but it's pretty close! If you are an aspiring board game inventor, and you want to get the know-how without reading through a thick, heavy manual, this is it. "Paid to Play" is a detailed account on the industry, yet only contains what you need to know. Meyers is an expert in what he does, and touches on several important subjects, of which includes: the psychology of being a board game inventor, the industry in general, where to start, prototyping, testing, publishing, licensing, submissions, and, finally, success. This is a great read, even if you don't want to make your own board game; I highly recommend this. Despite its few pages, it is only that because it is concise. Well worth the price.

If you need more information, Meyers has a website. Google: Game Design Central.