To write or not to write, that is the question...

I have been thinking, and actually drafting the book titled "Game Design Methods". I started one chapter in early 2012, but stopped until now--the end of 2012.

Before I restarted to write this book, I was curious about how many books on “game design” have been published and sold in Amazon.com. My search showed 151,350 results. So why bother to write another book on game design? I should be focusing on writing journal articles or academic book chapters that will contribute to my academic credential. But when I flashed back the experience of reading books on game design, I remembered how difficult it was to comprehend books written by foreigners—I mean non-Malaysian—before having the experience of staying in the UK and the US. When the lack of vision on how people design games in Western world might provide enormous space for imagination, the need to  comprehend without understanding the socio-cultural contexts in the Western world could become a barrier to exellent game design.

I am fortunate to have the opportunity to study and work in Western countries, but the opportunity came only after I reached the age of 27. My world view prior to 27 years old was pretty narrow, and I believe most if not all of my young students in Malaysia share the similar world view like mine. I sensed the lack of vision among my students, which prompted me to write this book for them. Therefore, I tried to include examples and concepts which I think suitable for Malaysian students who study game design. 

Perhaps, I should write it in Malay...