Fundamentals of Game Design, Third Edition

Chapter 14. Core Mechanics

The core mechanics of a game determine how that game actually operates: what its rules are and how the player interacts with them. This chapter begins by defining the core mechanics and explaining their role in creating the entertainment experience. You’ll learn about the five types of mechanics most commonly found in video games: physics, internal economies, progression mechanisms, tactical maneuvering, and social interaction.

After discussing the general features of core mechanics, we’ll examine internal economies in some detail and then look at how designers use mechanics to create gameplay by implementing both challenges and actions. After becoming familiar with all these aspects of core mechanics, you’ll learn ...