1. MDA Monopoly killer Paper Chase
Readings 04
MDA
Monopoly killer
Paper Chase

2. Mechanics Dynamics Aesthetics
a formal approach to understanding games
Mechanics describes the particular components of the game, at the level of data representation and algorithms.
Dynamics describes the run-time behavior of the mechanics acting on player inputs and each others’ outputs over time.
Aesthetics describes the desirable emotional responses evoked in the player, when she interacts with the game system.

3. MDA Aesthetics 1. Sensation - Game as sense-pleasure
2. Fantasy - Game as make-believe
3. Narrative - Game as drama
4. Challenge - Game as obstacle course
5. Fellowship - Game as social framework
6. Discovery - Game as uncharted territory
7. Expression - Game as self-discovery
8. Submission - Game as pastime

4. MDA Dynamics create aesthetic experiences
Challenge is created by things like time pressure and opponent play.
Fellowship can be encouraged by sharing information
Expression comes from dynamics that encourage individual users to leave their mark
Dramatic tension
comes from dynamics that encourage a rising tension, a release, and a denouement

5. MDA Mechanics the various actions, behaviors and control mechanisms
Adjusting the mechanics of a game helps us fine-tune the game’s overall dynamics
Tuning - our aesthetic vocabulary and models help us articulate design goals, discuss game flaws, and measure our progress as we tune

6. Monopoly killer Slow boil (4 years) Play testing / refining
board games don't have to be either predictable fluff aimed at kids or competitive, hyper-intellectual pastimes for eggheads
Mechanics varied game board
Dynamics: trade, balance

7. Paper Chase change is a necessary part of game design
the earlier the changes are made in the design process, the easier and cheaper they are to make
A paper prototype costs “effectively nothing,” it can shave off the final cost of the project
Paper prototypes also help expose the eventual game's core mechanics in a way that everyone can understand

8. Paper Chase
Understanding the rules of the game can be the difference between finding problems and imbalances rather than by randomly poking around
whether the game is balanced, whether it makes sense to those playing, and whether it's fun
Interface design. Don't make it too hard to follow what's going on during a digital game, or too cumbersome to do what the player wants to do.
Fun might be dependent on the medium
Complexity is a killer

9. Paper Chase testing
Know your market. Don't put a hardcore wargame in front of casual roleplayers, for example.
Take careful notes about what happens.
Don't get emotionally attached to the mechanics. Designers, swallow your pride.
Don't be afraid to make changes, especially on the fly.
Don't argue with your testers.

10. Paper Chase testing
Have goals, that is, what the team wants to accomplish, in mind for each phase of testing.
Listen for “first-person” comments such as “I think” or “I like,” and pay special attention to those who say “I'm confused.” Testers that make categorical statements about what third parties might think (i.e., “someone might be confused by this”) are less useful.