Game Design Deep Dive: Free-to-Play

The book "Game Design Deep Dive: Free-to-Play" explores the history, methodology, and ethics of free-to-play and mobile games, offering a comprehensive look at the practices behind popular games and discussing the potential pitfalls and ethical considerations of monetization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The free-to-play (F2P) genre has been a hot topic in the gaming industry for many years. This genre is one of the most lucrative and controversial in the industry, as it allows players to access and play games without paying a subscription fee. However, the F2P model has also been criticized for its potential to exploit players and create a toxic gaming environment.

In this book, Josh Bycer, a Game Design Critic with more than seven years of experience critically analyzing game design and the industry itself, takes a deep dive into the world of F2P games. He explores the history and methodology behind F2P and mobile games, as well as the potential and pitfalls of this design. Bycer also examines the ethics behind good and bad monetization, and offers a comprehensive look at the practices behind the most popular free-to-play and mobile games.

One of the key strengths of this book is its honest and balanced approach to the F2P genre. Bycer does not shy away from discussing the negative aspects of F2P, such as the potential for addiction and the exploitation of players. However, he also acknowledges the positive aspects of F2P, such as its ability to provide access to gaming to people who may not have the financial means to purchase traditional games.

Another strength of this book is its detailed talk about the ethics of F2P. Bycer takes a nuanced approach to this topic, examining both the positive and negative aspects of F2P monetization. He argues that F2P can be a sustainable and ethical model if it is designed and implemented properly, and that it can provide a valuable source of revenue for game developers. However, he also warns that F2P can be unethical if it is designed to exploit players or create a toxic gaming environment.

This book is a must-read for designers, students, and anyone else who wants to educate themselves about the practices of the F2P genre. Bycer's extensive experience and expertise in game design make him an ideal author for this book, and his clear and concise writing style makes it easy to understand and navigate.

In conclusion, Game Design Deep Dive: Free-to-Play (F2P) is a comprehensive and insightful book that offers a deep dive into the world of F2P games. Bycer's honest and balanced approach to the genre, as well as his detailed talk about the ethics of F2P monetization, make this book a valuable resource for designers, students, and anyone else who wants to educate themselves about the practices of the F2P genre.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 150 x 229 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032207612