I've read his Karateka journal, but not that one yet. It wasn't super technical for the most part, at least not that I can remember, but it did give across the vibe of 'regular guy getting to do some cool things and find some success' and I found it extremely conversational, relatable, and inspiring. I do intend to read the Prince of Persia one at some point.

It probably also got me to start recording my own game design journal. I'm still kicking myself for not doing one earlier like I initially intended to while I got a pretty cool job working for a video game publisher as a producer (instead I wrote like, 5 or 6 journals total... that was 11 years ago now, so a lot of it has gotten fuzzy...maybe if I sit down and try my best to remember at some point).

But my game design journal (plus some personal stuff) journal, despite me still not having anything published during that time yet, is sitting at over 300,000 words over four years. I generated a ton of ideas and prototypes and consumed lots of lectures and playtested a bunch of other designer's games and had several 'almost' opportunities during that time, so there was plenty to talk about anyway.

Pandemic really stunted that habit, though, and I'm struggling to get back into the habit of it (taking a break from writing an entry right now, actually, only the third one this year so far :/).

Highly suggest it! I read the older version back in 2011 but I believe this newer one at the least contains all the material, maybe more. It's a entertaining and insightful ride of innovation.

Mechner has superb talent, especially back in his 20's, and I'm grateful he put out his notes for us to read.

I read it and enjoyed it. As a kid who grew up playing computer games in the late 80s and 90s, it was interesting to hear what was happening on the production side. Here are my notes from the book:

https://mtlynch.io/book-reports/making-of-prince-of-persia/

It's really good. I bought it after reading about Stripe Press (yes, the payments company publishes books). I also picked up The Dream Machine by M. Mitchell Waldrop. I really enjoyed both books.

The quality of the Stripe Press books is outstanding, although the type size is a little small in the Dream Machine book.

I would read Karateka first. But both are amazing!

I read and enjoyed it. Definitely recommended.