Understanding Game Design: Mechanics, Dynamics, and Systems
If you’re immersed in the world of game design or consider yourself a hardcore gamer, you’ve likely encountered the term “mechanics.” In the realm of gaming, mechanics refer to specific rules or sets of rules that lead to distinct outcomes. Imagine a treasure chest: it has a lock, and the type of lock determines the mechanic. Think about the various locks you’ve come across in real life or games. Now, if another game designer asked about the lock mechanic, which one would you pick?
For example, let’s consider a treasure chest with a lock. The lock requires a specific method to open it — perhaps a key. Your choice of the key as the unlocking mechanism represents your lock mechanic. This principle extends to various aspects of game design.
Now, let’s shift our focus to real-world play styles. Activities like rolling a ball or running, things humans do for fun, can be translated into game mechanics. Games such as Temple Run and Subway Surfers are built around the running mechanic. Alternatively, choosing the mechanic of rolling a ball could lead to games like Katamari Damacy, Super Monkey Ball, or any pinball game ever made.
The Evolution to Game Dynamics
Game dynamics, also known as play dynamics or player dynamics, come into play when we introduce players to the mix. These dynamics represent the rules of the game in motion. Returning to the lock mechanic, imagine setting up a game where players must use keys to open locks. However, during playtesting, you observe a player attempting to hack the lock with an ax. This unexpected dynamic prompts a reevaluation of the rules to incorporate and allow for such play.
Board games serve as a visual representation of dynamics. Consider a set of Monopoly rules — referred to as game mechanics. While these rules sit in a box, they come to life when players engage with them, creating unique dynamics. Often, we anticipate specific rules leading to predetermined game dynamics. For example, encountering a monster in a game might traditionally prompt players to attack it. However, players frequently surprise designers by taking the game in unexpected directions, showcasing the creative depth of player imagination.
Unpredictable Player Choices and Adaptive Design
Drawing from personal experience in game design, unexpected player choices can reshape the intended dynamics. In a game where factions vie for supremacy, anticipating players aligning with one faction, I was surprised to discover a tester working for both warring factions. This unanticipated dynamic led to the creation of a new game segment, allowing players to attempt to make peace between the factions. This unexpected turn ultimately resulted in a more engaging and dynamic game.
As players, we’ve all encountered games where unclear mechanics left us unsure of what to do. On the contrary, a well-designed tutorial that effectively explains mechanics produces the expected gameplay dynamic. Play affordances, or a player’s understanding of how things should work, play a crucial role. Deviating from established player affordances, such as changing the traditional FPS game’s sprint key, can lead to player frustration.
Systems, Emergent Gameplay, and Design Flexibility
Game systems encompass combat, character, or magic systems, serving as collections of mechanics that give rise to specific dynamics connected to distinct areas of gameplay. Understanding systems involves recognizing the intersection of game systems that produce unexpected behaviors — known as emergent gameplay.
Consider the classic example of Quake, featuring a rocket launcher. Players discovered a unique use for the rocket — firing it in a specific way to launch themselves into the air, a technique known as rocket jumping. This unintended dynamic between the weapon and movement system became a crucial element of competitive play.
In game design, embracing emergent gameplay becomes more feasible with fewer rules, allowing room for exploration within systems and at the intersection of systems. Mechanics, dynamics, and systems serve as fundamental building blocks for game designers. Initiating the design process often involves identifying the need for a specific system, like a combat system, determining desired gameplay dynamics, and designing mechanics to produce those systems.
To provide a real-world analogy, imagine planning a Halloween party. If you aim for a scary atmosphere, you need dynamics that create opportunities for people to be scared. Designing mechanics, such as people popping out to scare others, achieves your ultimate goal.
As you engage in gameplay, consider thinking in terms of systems, dynamics, and mechanics. Challenge yourself to identify these concepts in action and appreciate the intricate design elements that contribute to a captivating gaming experience.
