Articles, Online Course, Game Design
Gabe Mac
How to Design a Video Game: A Beginner’s Guide ...

Want to build your first game but don't know where to start? Read our step-by-step guide to video game design, from core hook to the magic of "game feel."

How to Design a Video Game: A Beginner’s Guide (Step-by-Step)
Podcast, Online Course
Gabe Mac
Thinking Like a Designer - The Game Beyond ...

Learn why top game designers focus on systems rather than just "fun." Discover how to harness Cognitive Surplus to turn players into problem solvers.

Thinking Like a Designer - The Game Beyond Podcast Season 2 Episode 1
Articles
Gabe Mac
Game World Generator

Not another random generator.

This one thinks like a game designer:
• Worlds
• Gameplay verbs
• Tone & audience
• Visual direction

Here’s a sneak peek 👇
#GameDesign #WorldGenerator

Game World Generator
Articles
Gabe Mac
Why Serious Game Design is the Future of ...

Serious game design is changing how we solve problems. These games are fun but also teach important lessons. Our masterclass will show you how to make these games and use them to tackle real-world issues.

Key Takeaways

  • Understand the history and evolution of serious game design.

  • Learn the key principles for balancing fun and educational value in game design.

  • Discover the various applications of serious games in industries like healthcare, corporate training, and education.

  • Grasp the importance of playtesting and iteration in creating effective games.

Why Serious Game Design is the Future of Problem-Solving
Online Course
Gabe Mac
Game Design Masterclass

In 2012 I set out to teach the secrets I had learned, of Serious Game Design. Since then thousands of students have taken my Basic Game Design Course online so far. Since I launched it 6 years ago, I have had lots of great feedback about how it helped inspire and change people's lives. This makes me so excited to announce the following news.

Game Design Masterclass

GameDesignCourse

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CharacterForge: An AI Character Generator for Game Designers

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CharacterForge: An AI Character Generator for Game Designers

Create game-ready characters in seconds. CharacterForge helps indie game developers and beginner game design students generate NPCs, backstories, and concept art prompts using AI. Join the beta today.

Kickstart 2024 with Our Special Offer: Buy 1 Masterclass, Gift 1 Free

Kickstart 2024 with Our Special Offer: Buy 1 Masterclass, Gift 1 Free

Discover the joy of holiday gift exchanges with our special "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" Masterclass offer! Enroll now and invite a friend to join for free. Perfect for kickstarting 2024 together with creativity and fun. Limited time only – start your game design journey with a companion by your side! 🌟🎲 #NewYearNewSkills #GameDesignTogether

Latest News
What Are Serious Games? Designing Play Systems for Real-World Impact
What Are Serious Games? Designing Play Systems for Real-World Impact

Discover what serious games are and how they differ from gamification. Learn how ethical, system-driven design uses play to change the world.

Read more →
Why Players Quit Games (The Friction Matrix)
Why Players Quit Games (The Friction Matrix)

Don't let players abandon your game. Analyze the game design friction matrix to identify and eliminate early player churn.

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Feedback Loops in Games (Positive vs Negative)
Feedback Loops in Games (Positive vs Negative)

Keep your players in the ultimate flow state. Learn how to balance positive and negative feedback loops to prevent runaway leaders and boring deadlocks.

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Mechanics vs Dynamics vs Aesthetics: Why It Matters
Mechanics vs Dynamics vs Aesthetics: Why It Matters

Stop designing accidental gameplay. Discover why distinguishing between Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics is vital for balancing interactive systems.

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Game Mechanics Explained for Beginners (The MDA Framework)
Game Mechanics Explained for Beginners (The MDA Framework)

Unlock the secrets of professional game design. Master the Mechanics-Dynamics-Aesthetics (MDA) framework to design addictive, engaging gameplay loops.

Read more →