Williams, Smith, and Koster

The sheer amount of facts contained in Williams and Smith's The Players' Realm first fifteen pages is quite astonishing. The careful analysis and critical view on many of gaming's challenges against the media at large are all addressed. This particular quote, though:

"Unlike fantasy gaming, however, moral panics about computer-mediated culture have continued to develop alongside successive improvements in technology."

seems like the biggest hurdle that has yet to be crossed. On the other hand, Koster's book, A Theory of Fun for Game Design is more of a personal exploration and account of gaming. It is a much easier read and appeal's to a larger audience than The Player's Realm.