Dual Review: Kobold’s Guide to…

This is a first for me… non-fiction reviews!

So, a couple of weeks ago, I saw the announcement that the Kobold’s Guide to Worldbuilding had gone on sale. Now, this book is comprised of essays written by some illustrious names of game design, including Michael A. Stackpole, Keith Baker (the guy behind the Eberron campaign setting) and Wolfgang Baur, who created the Midgard campaign setting. These are some high-profile guys, and for the meager amount they were asking for the wisdom they wished to impart, I was more than willing to part with my money for the Kindle edition.

Shortly after finishing the Worldbuilding guide, I discovered that many of the same guys (plus some others) had contributed to the Kobold’s Guide to Game Design, which has a slightly different focus.

I’m going to keep this short and sweet. If you’re a game designer (specifically with a tabletop focus, but much of the knowledge could be apply to video game design as well) you should buy these books. The information contained in both is indispensable. The Worldbuilding guide is clever, funny, insightful and really makes you think about how to create a “powder keg” of conflict, ready for anyone to jump in and set off an explosion that would become a new RPG campaign. The Game Design guide contains advice for getting started, developing your ideas, and an introduction to making your way as a freelancer in the industry.

These books have already given me the inspiration for a new side project to work on, and lots and lots of things to think about.

If you’re thinking about designing a world, an RPG or other kind of fiction-based property, you should read these books. They will make you think, stoke the fires of creativity, and get you on your way!

Highly recommended!