Digital Game-Based Learning
By Marc Prensky
Recognizing that people respond more effectively to speed, fun, and graphics, Marc Prensky's approach melds the engagement of fast-paced video games with serious business content to create better and more engaging training. This book expands on his technique by explaining what digital game-based learning is, why it is different and better, why it's not just another fad, where it can be used, and how to implement it. It cites case studies based on visits to companies who have already successfully utilized this training methodology.

The Art of Computer Game Design
By Chris Crawford
Online version:
This online version of the text was originally composed in book form in 1982. When searching in 1997 for literature on the nature of gaming and its relationship to narrative, Prof. Sue Peabody learned of The Art of Computer Game Design, which was then long out of print. Prof. Peabody requested Mr. Crawford's permission to publish an electronic version of the text on the web to make it available to her students and to others interested in game design.

Game Architecture and Design
By Andrew Rollings, Dave Morris
This book teaches design, architecture, and management - the things programmers need to know before they can even begin writing code. It provides real-life case studies of what works and what doesn't and takes the reader through all the necessary game creation steps, from seeing a game idea on paper to actually implementing that idea.