Cover of The art of computer game design

The art of computer game design

by Chris Crawford · first published 1984

4mentions
2recommended by
4HN commenters
2012–2026first – last mentioned

50% recommend50% neutral

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10 2007: 0 mentions2008: 0 mentions2009: 0 mentions2010: 0 mentions2011: 0 mentions2012: 1 mention2013: 0 mentions2014: 0 mentions2015: 0 mentions2016: 0 mentions2017: 1 mention2018: 0 mentions2019: 0 mentions2020: 0 mentions2021: 0 mentions2022: 0 mentions2023: 0 mentions2024: 0 mentions2025: 1 mention2026: 1 mention200720172026

What Hacker News says

  • rstupek · Nov 7, 2025 · Recommends

    What about old school Chris Crawford's book "The Art of Computer Game Design"?

    on “Game design is simple” ↗
  • woolion · Jan 26, 2026 · Recommends

    …more than press releases with a final score based on production value and not based on any insight into the depth of game mechanics and systems. I'm surprised not to see Chris Crawford mentioned, as The Art of Computer Game Design (1984) makes the central point of this article at the very beginning, and is a primary source of video-game critique.

    on “Video Games as Art” ↗
  • neovive · Apr 11, 2012 · Mentions

    …I've read many articles on game-play mechanics and found a few books on Amazon, but I've never actually built a game. I also found some good books (Game Design: Theory and Practice by Richard Rouse III; Art of Computer Game Design by Chris Crawford). Is it better to just jump in head first and start programming the game or should I get a stronger foundation in game design theory? I would be interested in some recommendations…

    on “Ask HN: Best way to get started with game design” ↗
  • cableshaft · Apr 18, 2017 · Mentions

    The Art of Computer Game Design by Chris Crawford was the first book on the theory computer and video games. It's got quite a few ideas in there that are still relevant today. But I don't think it's comprehensive or constantly referenced…

    on “Ask HN: What book is considered the bible of your field/industry?” ↗

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