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
New 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.

New Game Design Masterclass

games

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7 Holiday Gift Exchange Games to Brighten Your Celebrations

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7 Holiday Gift Exchange Games to Brighten Your Celebrations

🎁✨ Unwrap the Fun This Holiday Season! ✨🎁

Looking for unique ways to spice up your holiday celebrations? 🎉 We've got you covered with our latest blog post on 7 heartwarming gift exchange games! 🎲🎅 From the laughter-filled White Elephant to the intriguing Dutch Santa, discover games that bring joy and connection to your festive gatherings. 🌟

Plus, delve into the magic behind the joy of giving. 🧠💖 Learn how these traditions do more than just spread cheer – they're a key to stronger community bonds!

Curious? Head over to our blog to read more and start planning your holiday fun now! 📖🎄

What is Skinning? Game Design Techniques

What is Skinning? Game Design Techniques

When we look at the Concentric Game Design Method taught in the Basic Game Design Course, we see clear divisions of the layers, making them interchangeable. The core elements of the concentric model are Goals, Rules (Mechanics), Declarative Layer (Narrative), and Social Layer. Many of these layers can be changed around, like a new wrapping of an onion.

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Tron The Game In Real Life - Disc Golf

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Tron The Game In Real Life - Disc Golf

One of my favourite films, is Tron. Not just because Jeff Bridges "The Dude" stars in it. Not because it was the first film to use CGI. I loved it because of the GAMES! For those of you that don't know, Tron was a film back in 1982 where Jeff Bridges gets sucked into a computer and is forced to play games. If you haven't seen it or the sequel, I won't spoil it further for you. Needless to say, they have these 'discs' which they use all the time in the games. I've loved tossing around a frisbee because it gives me the feeling like I'm Flynn in Tron. Enter Disc-Golf…

Latest News
The Blue Shell Problem: How Feedback Loops Control Your Game's Pulse - The Game Beyond Podcast S2 E06
The Blue Shell Problem: How Feedback Loops Control Your Game's Pulse - The Game Beyond Podcast S2 E06

How games talk back to players. We analyze the "Winner Stays Winning" trap and how to use negative feedback to keep games competitive.

10 Essential Free Tools for Beginner Game Designers in 2026
10 Essential Free Tools for Beginner Game Designers in 2026

Start making games today without spending a dime. Check out our curated list of the 10 best free game design tools and software for beginners.

What Does a Game Designer Actually Do? (Expectation vs. Reality)
What Does a Game Designer Actually Do? (Expectation vs. Reality)

What does a game designer actually do day-to-day? Hint: It’s not just "coming up with ideas" or playing games all day. Read the reality here.

5 Critical Mistakes First-Time Game Designers Make
5 Critical Mistakes First-Time Game Designers Make

Avoid the traps that kill indie games. Discover the 5 most common game design mistakes beginners make and learn how to fix them instantly.

Your Players Need a 'Why': The Power of Layered Goals - The Game Beyond Podcast S2 E05
Your Players Need a 'Why': The Power of Layered Goals - The Game Beyond Podcast S2 E05

Rules aren't restrictions; they are tools. We look at "Inside-the-Box" explicit rules and the "Outside-the-Box" social norms players bring with them.