Why we design games: frameworks from indie to AAA

An exploration of game designer experiences from around the world, exploring indie games, games for change, short form, AAA and more. Intended to examine the human component in game design and the motivation behind individual designers. A series of illustrative frameworks for game design through first person narratives based on a combination of ADDIE and design based research are formed. Lessons behind the parts of game design that designers and students never see are highlighted, from mundane details to questioning the underlying motivation behind why we design games. Each game designer includes sketches of their game design process, covering process across genres and experience levels.