Title
The Aesthetic of Play,Used
Sold by Ergodebooks, an authorized reseller.
Returns accepted within 30 days | support@ergodebooks.com
Shipping Information
- Free Standard Shipping — United States only
- Processing Time: 1–3 business days
- Estimated Delivery: 3–5 business days after dispatch
- Double-boxed, fully insured & discreetly packaged
- Tracking number sent via email once dispatched
- Orders over $250 require signature upon delivery. Taxes calculated at checkout.
Returns & Refund
Returns accepted within 30 days of delivery.
Damaged or Defective Item
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Wrong Item Received
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Change of Mind
Return shipping at customer's expense · 25% restocking fee applies
Payment Option
A game designer considers the experience of play, why games have rules, and the relationship of play and narrative.The impulse toward play is very ancient, not only precultural but prehuman; zoologists have identified play behaviors in turtles and in chimpanzees. Games have existed since antiquity; 5,000yearold board games have been recovered from Egyptian tombs. And yet we still lack a critical language for thinking about play. Game designers are better at answering small questions ('Why is this battle boring?') than big ones ('What does this game mean?'). In this book, the game designer Brian Upton analyzes the experience of playhow playful activities unfold from moment to moment and how the rules we adopt constrain that unfolding. Drawing on games that range from Monopoly to Dungeons & Dragons to Guitar Hero, Upton develops a framework for understanding play, introducing a set of critical tools that can help us analyze games and game designs and identify ways in which they succeed or fail.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does 'The Aesthetic of Play' have? A: This book has three hundred thirty-six pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of game design and the essence of play.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is paperback. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle for reading.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'The Aesthetic of Play'? A: The dimensions are six inches in length, zero point eight seven inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height. These measurements make it a compact book for easy storage.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Brian Upton. He is a game designer known for his insights into the experience of play.
- Q: What genre does 'The Aesthetic of Play' belong to? A: The genre is Game Design. It discusses the relationship between play, rules, and narrative in games.
- Q: How can I use the insights from this book? A: You can apply the insights to analyze and improve game design. The book offers frameworks and tools for understanding play in various games.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in game design? A: Yes, it is suitable for beginners. The author presents concepts clearly, making it accessible for those new to game design.
- Q: Can I use this book for academic purposes? A: Yes, it can be used for academic purposes. The book provides critical tools and frameworks that are valuable for studies in game design.
- Q: What is the main focus of 'The Aesthetic of Play'? A: The main focus is on the experience of play and its connection to game design. It explores how rules influence the unfolding of play.
- Q: How should I store this book to keep it in good condition? A: Store it upright on a shelf or in a bookshelf. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or moisture to maintain its condition.
- Q: Are there any special care instructions for this book? A: No special care instructions are needed. Just handle it with clean hands and avoid bending or creasing the pages.
- Q: What if my copy arrives damaged? A: If it arrives damaged, you should contact the retailer for return or replacement options. Most sellers have policies for damaged goods.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, there is typically no warranty for books. However, check with the retailer for their return policies.
- Q: Can I find comparisons of this book with others in the same genre? A: Yes, it can be compared with other game design books. Look for reviews or articles that discuss similarities and differences.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for children? A: While it focuses on game design, it is best suited for older teens and adults. The content may be complex for younger readers.
- Q: What makes this book stand out in its category? A: It stands out for its critical analysis and frameworks for understanding play, offering unique insights that are not commonly found in other game design literature.