An Intro to Videogame Design History
thegamedesignforum.com
thegamedesignforum.com
If anyone knows other websites or essays like this - that are an in-depth look at videogame design - I would love to know about them.
For example, I really loved Proteus, and Kentucky Route Zero. Also Superbrothers' Sword & Sworcery.
None of these are realistic. They present highly stylized worlds, and that's what engages me.