Develop games is hard but passionate work. Most people who get involved with the industry love to play and develop games simultaneously. That is why so many game developers forget that this is a job and a business, meaning that you need to educate yourself and keep up to date to be successful.
Whether you’re an aspiring developer or a seasoned professional, educated knowledge can make all the difference. Here are my five best game development books available on Amazon that can inspire, help, and guide your journey.
1. “The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses” by Jesse Schell
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the creative and psychological aspects of game design. Jesse Schell, a veteran in the industry, introduces 100 “lenses” to help developers view their games from different perspectives and create engaging experiences.
Why it’s essential:
- Offers practical advice and insights.
- Covers game design principles for all platforms and genres.
2. “Game Programming Patterns” by Robert Nystrom
Robert Nystrom’s Game Programming Patterns is an invaluable resource for developers who want to explore the technical side of game development. The book explores coding patterns commonly used in game development, offering clear explanations and real-world examples.
Why it’s essential:
- It focuses on performance, optimization, and maintainable code.
- Explains how to solve common programming challenges in game development.
3. “Unity in Action: Multiplatform Game Development in C#” by Joseph Hocking
Unity is one of the industry’s most popular game engines, and Joseph Hocking‘s book provides a hands-on introduction to developing games in Unity. It’s recommended for beginner and intermediate levels who want to learn C# and Unity engine.
Why it’s essential:
- Provides practical projects to help build games.
- Covers advanced topics like physics, shaders, and performance optimization.
4. “Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design” by Scott Rogers
Scott Rogers’ book is an entertaining guide to the fundamentals of game design. It’s packed with examples from popular games and covers topics like creating characters, designing levels, and balancing gameplay.
Why it’s essential:
- Written in an easy-to-understand style.
- Provides actionable tips for improving game design.
5. “Blood, Sweat, and Pixels” by Jason Schreier
Despite not being a development guide, Blood, Sweat, and Pixels offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of game development. Jason Schreier tells compelling stories about the development of famous games, highlighting the industry’s triumphs and struggles.
Why it’s essential:
- Offers a portrayal of the game development process.
- Showcases the passion, dedication, and issues behind the development of games.
Honorable Mentions
If you’re hungry for more, consider these additional recommendations: