---
key: resource/theory-of-fun
type: resource
id: theory-of-fun
lang: en
title: A Theory of Fun for Game Design
summary: >-
  Raph Koster connects fun with learning patterns. A short, illustrated starting
  point for thinking about learning, boredom and challenge.
updatedAt: null
status: active
url: 'https://gamemechanics.pro/en/resources/#resource-theory-of-fun'
jsonUrl: 'https://gamemechanics.pro/api/v1/knowledge/en/resource/theory-of-fun.json'
markdownUrl: 'https://gamemechanics.pro/content/knowledge/en/resource/theory-of-fun.md'
aliases: []
tags:
  - book
  - ''
  - design
sourceIds:
  - source-46d5f239822820a5
sources:
  - id: source-46d5f239822820a5
    title: A Theory of Fun for Game Design
    url: 'https://theoryoffun.com/'
    verifiedAt: null
relations: []
placements: []
supersededBy: []
attributes:
  kind: book
  format: null
  language: en
  authors: Raph Koster
endsAt: null
provenance: >-
  Original editorial recommendation. The external material retains its author’s
  rights.
license: CC-BY-4.0
codeLicense: MIT
attribution: gamemechanics.pro contributors
---
# A Theory of Fun for Game Design

id: theory-of-fun
type: resource
key: resource/theory-of-fun
lang: en
status: active
url: https://gamemechanics.pro/en/resources/#resource-theory-of-fun

Raph Koster connects fun with learning patterns. A short, illustrated starting point for thinking about learning, boredom and challenge.

## When to use it

Raph Koster connects fun with learning patterns. A short, illustrated starting point for thinking about learning, boredom and challenge.

## Access

Paid book; the author’s site includes an excerpt and resources.

## Connected materials


## Sources and provenance

Original editorial recommendation. The external material retains its author’s rights.

- [A Theory of Fun for Game Design](https://theoryoffun.com/) (id: source-46d5f239822820a5)

CC-BY-4.0 · gamemechanics.pro contributors