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

Online Course

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Can You Become a Game Designer Without Coding?

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Can You Become a Game Designer Without Coding?

Think you need to be a programmer to design games? Think again. Discover how no-code engines, paper prototypes, and systems design open doors.

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Minecraft vs. The Last of Us: Narrative or Declarative Design? - TGB Podcast S2 E9

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Minecraft vs. The Last of Us: Narrative or Declarative Design? - TGB Podcast S2 E9

Do you want to tell a story, or let the player build one? We compare Narrative (scripted) design with Declarative (emergent) design and show you how to choose the right path for your project.

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Achiever, Explorer, Socializer, or Killer? (Bartle Player Types) - The Game Beyond Podcast S2 E8

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Achiever, Explorer, Socializer, or Killer? (Bartle Player Types) - The Game Beyond Podcast S2 E8

You aren't designing for everyone; you’re designing for specific types of brains. We break down the 4 Bartle Player Types and show you how to satisfy every one of them in a single system.

Latest News
How to Create Great Video Game Characters (A Systems Approach)
How to Create Great Video Game Characters (A Systems Approach)

Stop designing flat tropes. Learn how to design iconic video game characters by aligning their narrative motivations with your core gameplay mechanics.

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Can You Become a Game Designer Without Coding?
Can You Become a Game Designer Without Coding?

Think you need to be a programmer to design games? Think again. Discover how no-code engines, paper prototypes, and systems design open doors.

Read more →
Best YouTube Channels for Game Designers in 2026
Best YouTube Channels for Game Designers in 2026

Turn your streaming time into class time. Discover the top YouTube channels that offer deep-dive game design analysis and industry insights.

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Best Books for Learning Game Design (Self-Taught Syllabus)
Best Books for Learning Game Design (Self-Taught Syllabus)

Build your personal game design library. Discover the must-read books on systems design, player psychology, and interactive storytelling.

Read more →
How to Learn Game Design Without a Degree (Step-by-Step Roadmap)
How to Learn Game Design Without a Degree (Step-by-Step Roadmap)

Can you become a game designer without spending thousands on a college degree? Yes. Read our step-by-step roadmap to self-taught game design mastery in 2026.

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