Yes! Mark Overmars's and Jacob Habgood's two books ("The Game Maker's Apprentice" and "The Game Maker's Companion") were absolutely fantastic! Interesting short games explained in a very simple but exhaustive manner, so that even I, a complete beginner, could build them. Possibility to start with drag and drop, every step explained. In the second book he also talked about The Hero's Journey. I too started with them and have still very fond memories. Wish there where more books like those!
