Tabletop: Analog Game Design

Tabletop Analog Game Design brings together designers and scholars to explore the practice of creating analog games. This PDF edition is ready for instant download after purchase. The collection covers both theory and close analysis of notable tabletop games.

Edited by Greg Costikyan and Drew Davidson, the book gathers contributions from experienced designers, including Lewis Pulsipher, James F Dunnigan, Richard Garfield, and others. Published by ETC Press in 2011, it remains a useful resource for students, designers, and enthusiasts.

Book Overview

This volume is organized into three sections. The first section addresses tabletop game design, with essays on simulation, randomness, dice, publishing, and long-term design practice. The second section presents analyses of specific games such as Settlers of Catan, Cosmic Encounter, Pandemic, Poker, Ra, Train, and Twilight Struggle. The third section looks at the study of tabletop games, including boardgame aesthetics and computational thinking.

The text is licensed under Creative Commons, while images remain with their respective owners. This edition is provided as a digital PDF.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• Essays on designing tabletop games from Lewis Pulsipher and other practitioners.
• James F Dunnigan on simulation game design.
• Discussion of randomness, player choice, and player experience.
• Chris Klug on dice as a dramaturgical tool.
• JT Smith on designing for publishing.
• Game analyses of classic titles, including Settlers of Catan, Pandemic, and Twilight Struggle.
• Matthew Berland on strategic board games as computational-thinking training machines.
• Greg Costikyan on boardgame aesthetics.

Why This Book Matters

The collection links practical design insight with academic study. It offers perspectives from both creators and researchers, making it valuable for game design courses and independent designers. The book also documents a range of influential games and the thinking behind them.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download. No physical item will be shipped. After purchase, you can access the PDF through your account. It works with compatible Kindle apps, tablets, desktops, mobile devices, and standard reading applications.

FAQ

How soon will I receive the download?

You will receive instant access after purchase.

Will a physical book be shipped?

No. This is a digital PDF edition only.

What devices and apps support this PDF?

The PDF can be opened on most modern devices, including e-readers, tablets, phones, and computers with PDF software.

Explore the ideas behind analog game design with this practical and scholarly collection.