Post on 14-Oct-2020
MDA FrameworkMechanics - Dynamics - Aesthetics
Lecture
This lecture focuses on the MDA framework
● A solid basis for reasoning about games● Most other lectures are connected to this● Important in assignment 2 and 3
Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics
MDA Overview
AestheticsAesthetics - MDA framework - MDA in game design - Assignment 2
MDA Framework
The MDA framework defines 8 aestheticsBy Robin Hunicke, Marc LeBlanc, Robert Zubek (2004)
A type of fun is called an aesthetic - Has nothing to do with nice visuals
1. Sensation2. Fantasy3. Narrative4. Challenge
5. Fellowship6. Discovery7. Expression8. Submission
MDA Framework
The aesthetics are not strictly defined- They are categories to think with
Let’s investigate the first four
1. Sensation2. Fantasy3. Narrative4. Challenge
5. Fellowship6. Discovery7. Expression8. Submission
1. Sensation
Game as sense-pleasure
Explosions!(pleasure for your visual sense)
2. Fantasy
Game as make-believe
An FPS would be very different with abstract visuals
3. Narrative
Game as drama
dramatic unfolding of a plot
4. Challenge
Game as obstacle course
problem solving
Aesthetics
Which distinct types of sense-pleasure can games bring?
Which popular types of make-believe are present in games?
What dramatic experiences do you know from games?
What types of challenge are present in games?
For each question write down 3 types
And an example game for each type
1. Sensation - Sense-pleasure
Visuals Audio
Body movementTouch
Aesthetics
Which distinct types of sense-pleasure can games bring?
Which popular types of make-believe are present in games?
What dramatic experiences do you know from games?
What types of challenge are present in games?
For each question write down 3 types
And an example game for each type
2. Fantasy - Make-believe
Aesthetics
Which distinct types of sense-pleasure can games bring?
Which popular types of make-believe are present in games?
What dramatic experiences do you know from games?
What types of challenge are present in games?
For each question write down 3 types
And an example game for each type
3. Narrative - Drama
Choice
Linear, explicit Implicit
Player generated
Aesthetics
Which distinct types of sense-pleasure can games bring?
Which popular types of make-believe are present in games?
What dramatic experiences do you know from games?
What types of challenge are present in games?
For each question write down 3 types
And an example game for each type
4. Challenge - Obstacle course
Generally problem solving
Many types of challenges
Challenge ≠ difficulty
MDA Framework
The aesthetics are not strictly defined
- They are categories to think with
Let’s investigate the last four
1. Sensation2. Fantasy3. Narrative4. Challenge
5. Fellowship6. Discovery7. Expression8. Submission
5. Fellowship
Game as social framework
Interaction with others
6. Discovery
Game as uncharted territory
“What happens when I put this on fire?”
7. Expression
Game as self-expression
Finding an original solution you think is interesting
8. Submission
Game as pastime
Mining in Minecraft
Aesthetics
In which ways can games facilitate fellowship?
Which types of discovery can games bring?
In which ways can games stimulate expression?
In which ways can games be relaxing?
For each question write down 3 types
And an example game for each type
5. Fellowship - social framework
Cooperation
Clans / Community Helping out
Inviting friends
Aesthetics
In which ways can games facilitate fellowship?
Which types of discovery can games bring?
In which ways can games stimulate expression?
In which ways can games be relaxing?
For each question write down 3 types
And an example game for each type
6. Discovery - Uncharted territory
New game mechanics
New surprising areas Secrets and Easter eggs
Emergent behavior
Aesthetics
In which ways can games facilitate fellowship?
Which types of discovery can games bring?
In which ways can games stimulate expression?
In which ways can games be relaxing?
For each question write down 3 types
And an example game for each type
7. Expression
Creation Being original
Customization
Aesthetics
In which ways can games facilitate fellowship?
Which types of discovery can games bring?
In which ways can games stimulate expression?
In which ways can games be relaxing?
For each question write down 3 types
And an example game for each type
8. Submission - Pastime - Abnegation
Grinding
Zone out
Repeating the same action
Performing easy tasks
Aesthetics
Most games offer a combination of aesthetics
● Some aesthetics have more focus than others
Some aesthetics can be seen in nearly any game
● For example discovery, sensation, and challenge● This does not mean that they are important in the game
The perception of an aesthetic depends on the player
● Some players are only interested in some aesthetics
Aesthetics
The list of aesthetics is not necessarily complete
● Think of more aesthetics which don’t fall in the existing categories
Aesthetics
Let’s compare to the Bartle taxonomy
1. Sensation2. Fantasy3. Narrative4. Challenge5. Fellowship6. Discovery7. Expression8. Submission
Aesthetics
Let’s compare to the Bartle taxonomy
1. Sensation2. Fantasy3. Narrative4. Challenge5. Fellowship6. Discovery7. Expression8. Submission
Aesthetics
The list of aesthetics is not necessarily complete
● Competition○ Superiority over others (killers in Bartle taxonomy)
Aesthetics
The list of aesthetics is not necessarily complete
● Collection○ Gathering and completing a collection (achievers in
Bartle taxonomy)
Aesthetics
The list of aesthetics is not necessarily complete
● Collection○ Gathering and completing a collection (achievers in
Bartle taxonomy)
MDA frameworkAesthetics - MDA framework - MDA in game design - Assignment 2
Abstraction
Aesthetics are very abstract
● We have explored various types for each aesthetic, making it a bit more concrete
We want to create an experience
● Requires a very concrete plan● This is a major challenge for
the game designer
Aesthetics
Abstract
Concrete
Implementable game elements
What is here?
MDA Framework
The MDA framework states:
The concrete elements of a game form the behavior of the game which produces the experience
These stages have names in the MDA Framework:Confusing: “mechanics” are not just about rules.
Elements (e.g., rules, images)
Behavior (e.g., system, meaning)
Experience
Mechanics Dynamics Aesthetics
MDA Framework
Mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics are at various abstraction levels
● This makes it easier to bridge the gap● But there are still gaps…
The exact abstraction level of dynamics is not clear
Aesthetics
Abstract
Concrete
Mechanics
Dynamics
Dynamics
Dynamics
Perspectives
Describes perspectives of players and developers
Opposite perspectives
● In contrast to what you initially might think
Designer perspective
Players and developers have opposing perspectives
● The player experiences the aesthetics, which are caused by the dynamics, which arise from the mechanics
● The developer creates mechanics to form dynamics which result in aesthetics
Designer perspective
Useful way of thinking for designers
● Mechanics are not the goal● The aesthetics are created indirectly through mechanics and
dynamics● The designer should keep focus on the experience
MDA
Multiple mechanics can create a dynamic
Multiple dynamics can create an aesthetic
Let’s see some examples
Abstract
Concrete
D
MM
M
M
M
M
M
DD
A
Examples
Countdown timer
Modifiable 3D grid
Playable firefighter model
Healer class
Time pressure
Building
Being a firefighter
Assisting other players
Challenge
Expression
Fantasy
Fellowship
Mechanics Dynamics Aesthetics
Exercise
Write down mechanics-dynamics-aesthetic combinations for all 8 aesthetics
● Think of a game with one of the aesthetics● Extract and write down a mechanic-dynamic couple
generating the aesthetic
1. Sensation2. Fantasy3. Narrative4. Challenge
5. Fellowship6. Discovery7. Expression8. Submission
Gameplay
Where can we put “gameplay” inthis structure?
● It is closely related to the dynamics group
Where can we put the vision statement?
● Somewhere between the aesthetics and dynamics
Aesthetics
Abstract
Concrete
Implementable game elements
Dynamics
Gameplay
Where can we put “gameplay” inthis structure?
● It is closely related to the dynamics group
Where can we put the vision statement?
● Somewhere between the aesthetics and dynamics
Aesthetics
Abstract
Concrete
Implementable game elements
Dynamicsgameplay
Gameplay
Where can we put “gameplay” inthis structure?
● It is closely related to the dynamics group
Where can we put the vision statement?
● Somewhere between the aesthetics and dynamics
Aesthetics
Abstract
Concrete
Implementable game elements
Dynamicsgameplay
vision
MDA in game designAesthetics - MDA framework - MDA in game design - Assignment 2
Using MDA in design
MDA can help enhance the game experience
● Focus your design on the vision / aesthetic you want to achieve
Game design exercise
Game design exercise
1. Sensation2. Fantasy3. Narrative4. Challenge
5. Fellowship6. Discovery7. Expression8. Submission
Game design exercise
Modify a generic platformer
Design 8 variants, each focusing on 1 aesthetic
Also list the mechanics and dynamics which achieve the focus
1. Sensation2. Fantasy3. Narrative4. Challenge
5. Fellowship6. Discovery7. Expression8. Submission
Assignment 2Aesthetics - MDA framework - MDA in game design - Assignment 2
Assignment 2
Practicum 2.1● Define the vision statement and analyze it● Create initial design decisions
○ Making it much more concrete
● Deadline this Sunday (5th) at 23:59
Aesthetics
Abstract
Concrete
Mechanics
Dynamics
vision
Assignment 2
Practicum 2.3
● Design and develop the prototype○ Focus on achieving the experience from the vision
● Make more design decisions○ Describing how the experience should
be achieved concretely● Keep your ideas easy to implement
Assignment 2
Wait, did you just skip practicum 2.2?!
Todo
Read the assignment 2 document
● Start on P2.1 – vision and design● Prepare P2.2 – make a planning
During the practicum session
● Meet with your TA● Work on P2.1 – vision and design● Work on P2.2 – make a planning● (Start on P2.3 – design and create the prototype; time is limited)