Game Guru: Role-Playing Games

Role-playing games is the genre that most meticulously evokes a parallel life for the player-not infrequently down to the detail of what kind of wine is in their hip flask. In addition to the gameplay and simulation aspects of this genre, "Game Guru: Role-Playing Games" looks at the conventions that underlie it-the threat of evil, the archetypal playground of the sword-and-sorcery setting, and so on. With hundreds of examples and in-depth interviews with the experts, this book reveals the secrets to what makes great games compelling and successful. Whether you are a professional or a die-hard role-playing gamer, you'll be intrigued by the clear analysis of play balance, character and level design, learning curves, risk versus reward, puzzles, scale and scope, catch-up effects, symmetry, and many other aspects of game theory. This book gives you the insight you are searching for to enrich your gaming experience.

Role-playing games is the genre that most meticulously evokes a parallel life for the player-not infrequently down to the detail of what kind of wine is in their hip flask. In addition to the gameplay and simulation aspects of this genre, "Game Guru: Role-Playing Games" looks at the conventions that underlie it-the threat of evil, the archetypal playground of the sword-and-sorcery setting, and so on. With hundreds of examples and in-depth interviews with the experts, this book reveals the secrets to what makes great games compelling and successful. Whether you are a professional or a die-hard role-playing gamer, you'll be intrigued by the clear analysis of play balance, character and level design, learning curves, risk versus reward, puzzles, scale and scope, catch-up effects, symmetry, and many other aspects of game theory. This book gives you the insight you are searching for to enrich your gaming experience.

Dave Morris is a prolific author of fantasy gaming books and the creator of the
acclaimed realtime strategy PC game, Warrior Kings. He has worked in both the
videogame and TV industry. He holds a M.A. in Physics from Oxford University and has worked as a best-selling author and game designer for 15 years. He is the co-author of both Game Guru: Role-Playing Games (1592002544) and Game Guru: Strategy Games (1592002536).

Leo Hartas is a well-known and highly regarded illustrator skilled in both traditional
and computer-generated styles and techniques. As well as authoring numerous
bestselling children's books, he creates digital imagery for computer games, video
animation, and TV programs. He is the co-author of both Game Guru: Role-Playing Games (1592002544) and Game Guru: Strategy Games (1592002536).