Game Mechanics 101: What Every Aspiring Game Designer Should Know

The secret sauce of gaming can be difficult to define. No single art style, narrative structure, or world-building technique can guarantee that a particular video game will feel immersive, enjoyable, or meaningful.

Numerous elements coalesce to transport players to new worlds. From game art to storytelling and even the user interface, many components are worth addressing. Ultimately, these elements mean little if solid game mechanics do not accompany them.

Fundamental to the gaming experience, mechanics form a critical framework to shape every player's interaction, along with overall engagement. These rules and systems bring structure to games, ensuring that they appropriately challenge and reward players.

Understanding game mechanics is critical to success in game design and development. Simply put, game designers cannot carry out their visions unless they recognize the structures that govern the flow of any given game.

If you envision a future in game design, it is imperative that you embrace game mechanics and actively seek opportunities to practice developing and refining these systems. Keep reading to discover the secrets behind game mechanics and to learn why this plays such a fundamental role in shaping the modern gaming experience.

What Are Game Mechanics?

The first step towards understanding game mechanics begins with clarifying what these involve. This can prove surprisingly difficult, as game mechanics can mean different things in different contexts.

A report published in Lecture Notes in Computer Science reveals that there is no actual consensus regarding what, exactly, game mechanics involve. Still, these are widely regarded as the defining qualities in any given game. Various definitions reference individual player actions to the specific tools that facilitate these actions.

In a paper for the Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA), Espen Aarseth and Paweł Grabarczyk propose that rules can be regarded as the "mechanics that the player perceives, while mechanics are embedded in the structure independently of what the user thinks of them."

For the purposes of this guide, we can think of game mechanics as the specific rules or systems that reveal how players navigate and behave within gaming worlds — and how those games respond accordingly.

Why Game Mechanics Matter in Game Design

Artists and developers can dream up incredible environments, memorable characters, and ingenious levels, but these elements will fall flat if the game mechanics are lacking. Designers must be mindful of the in-game rules and systems that dictate how players interact with games, as this can have an outsized impact on the creative process. Due to mechanics, some ambitious ideas may simply not work within the confines of the intended game. 

Core Types of Game Mechanics

From the endless runner with one-button controls to the open-world role-playing game with hundreds of hours of content, every game features mechanics that the player must learn. These can be as simple as how the character moves, or as complex as in-depth item crafting and inventory management. Each title is distinct, but it's up to designers to combine these game elements to form gaming experiences that feel both cohesive and fun.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

Depending on the size and scope of the game in question, there could potentially be dozens of mechanics used by a single game. Core mechanics, however, are vital for creating experiences that keep gamers returning for more. The core gameplay mechanics consist of the actions that will be performed most often. A first-person shooter may contain light crafting or character progression systems, but if the act of moving and shooting isn't perfect, it's unlikely the player will want to continue.

Progression Mechanics

Players crave a sense of purpose, achieved through the process of navigating games. Some play primarily to enjoy the feeling of becoming stronger and gaining new skills. Role-playing games and loot-based shooters — and especially nonlinear Metroidvanias — must offer compelling reasons to keep driving forward, while doling out item rewards, experience points, and new areas to explore. These progression mechanics should also feel balanced so players don't become too powerful too soon, thereby eliminating the challenge that keeps them engaged in the first place.

Risk and Reward Systems

Risk and reward systems allow players to take a chance at suffering a negative outcome in return for the possibility of a positive payoff. This represents one of the most impactful forms of decision-making within the gaming experience.

Roguelike games deliver the best example of how a risk and reward system can keep players hooked. These games often feature harsh penalties for failure, but with the caveat that, should the player keep progressing further in the level, the rewards will be even greater. It's important to fine-tune these systems so that the punishment for failure doesn't feel too harsh or the spoils for success too grand. This can be a difficult balancing act, but executed well, it can keep players invested in the long run.

Social Mechanics

Game designers are eager to crack the code on how to safely and effectively integrate social mechanics into games. These mechanics extend beyond verbal communication, encompassing various non-traditional methods for player interaction.
One fantastic example? The messaging system found in Demon's Souls allows gamers to leave hints and clues for other players via messages scrawled on the ground. It's an ingenious solution for bringing a touch of the human element to the game world.

Feedback Systems

Feedback systems allow games to convey the potential consequences of a player's choices. These  guide critical decisions, ensuring that players know the exact impact their actions will have both immediately and over the course of the game. Positive feedback could involve earning points or gaining new abilities, while negative feedback is more likely to center around penalties such as losing health.

Mechanics vs. Dynamics vs. Aesthetics

Mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics form critical layers in the gaming experience, with mechanics forming the foundation via structures that ultimately support dynamics and aesthetics. The aesthetic can be thought of as the end result — whether players enjoy games or feel frustrated. Dynamics occupy the space between mechanics and aesthetics, revealing how rules established via mechanics respond to player input.

Balancing Game Mechanics

Many developers and designers struggle to balance game mechanics while accommodating a diverse array of players. This effort is imperative, however, as a poorly balanced game can lead to players finding exploits and using them to essentially break the game. This can also be an issue in single-player games, as overpowered weapons and abilities can turn the gameplay into a one-dimensional affair that quickly loses appeal.

How to Design Effective Game Mechanics

There is no simple solution to shaping effective game mechanics. This effort will vary considerably between games and depends on factors such as genres, platforms, and target audiences. Technical constraints must also be considered, along with the previously described quest for balance. Iterative design and playtesting are crucial to success, with designers often following this systematic process:

Start With Your Core Game Loop

Every game, regardless of its complexity, features a core gameplay loop. This repeated cycle involves tasks that lead to feedback or rewards, which then form the next series of tasks. If this core loop is not enjoyable, no other design elements can save the game. This loop can be enhanced via meaningful tasks, which should produce rewards that players find compelling.

Design for Player Motivation

The most iconic games all feature goals that keep players feeling motivated to continue. The original Super Mario Bros., for instance, led players from level to level under the promise that "our princess is in another castle!" In the design phase, developers need to establish the player's ultimate goals and determine the most effective methods to encourage players to reach those goals.

Embrace Iteration

Games largely resemble novels or movies, which undergo several rounds of edits and changes before they are seen by the public. In the gaming world, these changes are known as iterations, in which every facet of the game is refined via a series of tests and tweaks. Designers shouldn't be afraid to hammer on every gameplay mechanic until it's tested to near-perfection.

Consider Accessibility

While it is natural for designers to appeal to target audiences, overall accessibility should remain top of mind. Thankfully, gaming has made great strides in accessibility over the last two decades, so differently-abled gamers can enjoy experiences that previously felt out of reach. Accessibility options could involve color-blind modes, adjustable difficulty settings, or one-button controls.

Real-World Examples of Brilliant Game Mechanics

Many powerful examples demonstrate how solid mechanics can elevate simple concepts, transforming games into true narrative and artistic masterpieces. We've highlighted a few of the most meaningful below:

• Portal (Valve): Armed with a portal gun, players navigate a series of levels featuring mind-bending environmental puzzles. It's a simple concept, one that was iterated on to perfection in Portal 2, which also featured a fantastic example of player motivation. If only the cake wasn't a lie.
• Dark Souls (FromSoftware): The previously mentioned Demon's Souls was a modest hit on the PlayStation 3. FromSoftware took the knowledge gained during its creation to build what would become an entirely new genre, known as the Soulslike. Dark Souls punished players with harsh penalties for death, but the sense of accomplishment that came with reaching the next bonfire, and especially when defeating bosses, made the rewards well worth the risks.
• Celeste (Matt Makes Games): Many games feature running, jumping, and climbing, but few have made the experience feel as enjoyable as Celeste. This indie hit featured a simple premise of navigating environments while avoiding enemies and obstacles. While the fantastic art style certainly helped this game stand out, the finely tuned perfection of its core gameplay loop made all the difference.
• Among Us (Innersloth): Who doesn't love being the bad guy from time to time? Among Us brought the concept of social deduction to the video game space in an online multiplayer game where a group of colorful astronauts must complete tasks while figuring out which one of them is actually an impostor. This means players banding together to root out and eliminate these impostors, leading to considerable (but enjoyable) chaos.

Tools and Resources for Learning Game Mechanics

It takes time to master the art and science of game mechanics. College programs address this in a structured manner, offering exposure to the fundamental aspects of mechanics along with opportunities to practice creating core loops or other essentials. Aspiring designers can further enhance mechanics skills through self-guided research and experimentation, as described below:

Game Engines

Game engines provide a reliable framework that enables developers and designers to explore and implement game mechanics. These engines tackle the technical elements of rendering and asset management, ultimately revealing how mechanics are brought to life. Top game engines worth exploring include Unity and Unreal Engine.

Prototyping Tools

Creating simplified versions of games, prototyping tools reveal basic mechanics, making it easier to test ideas early on in the development process. These tools facilitate experimentation within low-risk environments. Many developers favor GameMaker Studio 2 for its intuitive interface, although Unity's prototyping features can be helpful for those who crave greater flexibility.

Books and Podcasts

The right college program can provide a powerful introduction to game mechanics, but this can be complemented by fascinating books or podcasts that further enhance your understanding. Begin by exploring these well-regarded titles:

• The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses
• Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design
• Challenges for Game Designers

While books provide deeper dives and more resonant takeaways regarding the intricacies of game mechanics, podcasts can bring a more personable feel to the learning process, with many featuring in-depth conversations with industry authorities. GameMakers is a great option for the free-to-play (F2P) market, while The Game Design Round Table explores broad mechanics in the context of themes or pivots.

Communities

Online communities encourage members to discuss the intricacies of game mechanics while also offering commiseration for those struggling to find balance. Promoting collaboration and offering plenty of feedback, these resources help game designers and developers feel connected and valued. Subreddit communities, such as r/GameDesign, provide a great starting place. However, many designers now favor Discord servers like Game Dev League or the Game Maker’s Toolkit, which is based on a popular YouTube channel.

Final Thoughts

As you explore the interplay between game mechanics, narratives, and player experiences, aim for harmony. This takes time to foster, but thankfully, you don't need to navigate this journey alone. Champlain College Online can provide valuable guidance and support so you can bring your gaming visions to life.

Available online, our Bachelor of Science in Interactive Game Design explores everything from character development to narrative arcs, but also emphasizes game mechanics as the foundation underscoring immersive gameplay. Learn more about this exciting program or take the next step and contact our admissions team.