An early mentor recommended this book to me as a budding young slot designer and ever since it’s informed how I think about game design. It’s written as a critique of the casino game industry and an exposé of their left-hand tactics. I use it as a how-to guide.
My favorite takeaway is the idea of what I call a flow state (the book calls it the Machine Zone). My design philosophy emphasizes removing confusion, awkward pauses, information overload, decision making, and anything that could distract or disrupt the flow state.
Even if you’re not interested in the design aspect of casino games, it’s the best overview of the industry that I’m aware of. Would highly recommend it to anyone wishing to learn more about what we do, and how it all works.
SolCalc Consulting 