# The Art of Game Design: a Deck of Lenses

> Digital game design creativity toolkit with 113 unique lens cards. (iPhone/iPad app by Schell Games.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-art-of-game-design-a-deck-of-lenses/id385531319 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Schell Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/385531322)
- Category: Reference, Games
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 18 App Store ratings · 30 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 6.0 · 49 MB
- Languages: American English, Korean
- Released: 2010-08-10
- Data updated: 2026-09-03
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-art-of-game-design-a-deck-of-lenses/id385531319/reviews.md

## What is The Art of Game Design?

Would you like to design world-class games? The Deck of Lenses is the ultimate game design creativity toolkit!

Companion to the acclaimed book The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, this convenient deck contains 113 unique "lens cards" each featuring key questions that will make your game great, and a magnificent color illustration to help you remember each principle. The lenses span every aspect of game design – story, game mechanics, technology, aesthetics, psychology, creativity, teamwork, playtesting, and even business issues.

Whether you are a novice or expert game designer, this deck of lenses will change the way you look at games.

## Key features

- 113 unique "lens cards"
- Key design questions on each card
- Color illustrations for principles
- Covers story, mechanics, aesthetics, psychology, business
- Suitable for novice and expert designers

## Recent user reviews (10 of 30)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-art-of-game-design-a-deck-of-lenses/id385531319/reviews.md

### 1/5 — No Update in 7+ Years

*2024-10-22, version 2.13*

Please update this app for modern devices. It’s painful to use, and the UI could be simple and adaptive.

### 5/5 — Needs android version

*2024-09-27, version 2.13*

This is a great tol for analyzing a game design.  But with 20 years in the industry I can guarentee you that nobody with an actual job has an iPad unless they have the misfortune of working on ports.

### 5/5 — Thank you for making this app

*2023-12-14, version 2.13*

🥰 this helps a lot to get introduction to becoming a game designer

### 1/5 — No Update in 6 Years

*2023-11-08*

Please update this app for modern devices. It’s painful to use, and the UI could be simple and adaptive.

### 5/5 — Life changing book

*2022-01-19, version 2.13*

Thank you for the book. You changed my life

### 2/5 — Great information, archaic design.

*2021-04-24, version 2.13*

The information this app provides (especially when paired with the book) is amazing. However, it desperately needs A) a search function and B) proper display support for iPhone 10. Also, the sound design makes me cry, and it’s far too easy to accidentally favorite lenses. C’mon, you can do better than that!

### 5/5 — Awesome

*2021-03-12, version 2.13*

Thanks for cards and book!

### 5/5 — ❤️

*2019-11-04, version 2.13*

Good!

### 5/5 — Good App

*2019-10-11, version 2.13*

Useful and good app, like a book.

### 5/5 — Great App

*2017-07-13, version 2.13*

Just from reading the previous reviews, I can tell that the app developer is listening to what people are saying. Several things have been fixed, and you can now swipe between the cards freely, which feels nice, and makes the experience more fluid.
Beyond that, all the advice and questions are very helpful, and it's always good to gain a bit of perspective on a project. Some of the tips apply to more than just games, too!

## Frequently asked questions about The Art of Game Design

### What is the Art of Game Design: a Deck of Lenses?

The Art of Game Design: a Deck of Lenses is a free digital companion to the acclaimed book, offering 113 unique 'lens cards' designed to aid in game creation. Each card presents key questions and illustrations to guide designers through various aspects of game development.

### What topics does the Art of Game Design: a Deck of Lenses cover?

The lenses span every critical aspect of game design, including story, game mechanics, technology, aesthetics, psychology, creativity, teamwork, playtesting, and even business issues, providing a comprehensive approach to game creation.

### Is The Art of Game Design: a Deck of Lenses free to use?

Yes, The Art of Game Design: a Deck of Lenses is available for free, making its extensive game design resources accessible to all creators.

### What devices support The Art of Game Design: a Deck of Lenses?

The application is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod, offering a versatile platform for game designers on the go.

### How often is The Art of Game Design: a Deck of Lenses updated?

The app was last updated on December 9, 2016, with version 2.13. While updates have not been frequent recently, the core content remains a valuable resource.

### What is the age rating for The Art of Game Design: a Deck of Lenses?

The application has an age rating of 4+, indicating it is suitable for a wide audience interested in learning about game design principles.

### Who developed The Art of Game Design: a Deck of Lenses?

The Art of Game Design: a Deck of Lenses was developed by Schell Games, a studio known for its work in interactive entertainment and educational applications.

### What is the user sentiment for The Art of Game Design: a Deck of Lenses?

Based on 18 ratings, the app has received an average of 4.6 stars, suggesting a very positive user sentiment among those who have reviewed it.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.13 — 2016-12-09

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Fixed crash when using unsupported languages

### 2.12 — 2016-11-16

- Added support for Korean language
- Web links now use default web browser

### 2.11 — 2015-04-24

- Improved feedback reporting
- Audio is now properly mixed from external applications
- Improved accessibility features

### 2.1 — 2015-02-23

- Fixed potential crash when touching on a card to view
- Performance optimizations
- Fixed input issues for iPad

### 2.0 — 2015-02-08

* Updated for version 2 of The Art of Game Design.
* Now with all 113 cards

* New Divination mode
* New Favorites feature

## Apps similar to The Art of Game Design

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Deck-builder for Hearthstone](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/deck-builder-for-hearthstone/id779519284) | 3.6 (56) | Free | Reference |
| [S.W.U. DeckbuildeR](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swu-deckbuilder/id6450872397) | 4.5 (334) | Free | Reference |

## More apps by Schell Games

- [Water Bears](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/water-bears/id961755203)
- [Water Bears EDU](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/water-bears-edu/id964924572)
- [Night Shift](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/night-shift/id1156555379)
- [Happy Atoms](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/happy-atoms/id1160336637)
- [Domino World AR](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/domino-world-ar/id1282105342)

All apps by Schell Games: https://appshunter.io/developer/385531322

## Related topics

[deck of lenses](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/deck-of-lenses) · [model games design](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/model-games-design) · [people games design](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/people-games-design) · [movie game design](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/movie-game-design) · [style games design](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/style-games-design)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-03.*