Taxonomy is the name given to a set of methods that provide ways to classify games. Using this as a game design tool provides the game designer with way to categorize games, analyze games, and form a lexicon.
Methods
(Links)
(Literature)
21st Century Game Design (Game Development Series)
The Art of Game Design: A book of lenses
Indie Game Development Survival Guide (Game Development Series)
Fundamentals of Game Design (2nd Edition)
Game Design: Principles, Practice, and Techniques - The Ultimate Guide for the Aspiring Game Designer
The Medium of the Video Game
Game Design
