Game mechanics encompass the entire system of rules, structures, and interactions that define how a game functions, answering the question: How does the game work? Within this system, core mechanics represent the fundamental actions that players repeatedly perform to achieve their goals, forming the heart of gameplay and answering the complementary question: What is the player doing in the game?
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in media or casual conversation, distinguishing between them is important for both analyzing and designing games. Core mechanics focus on the player’s actions, whereas game mechanics define the full framework and rules that support and guide those actions.
For example, in a platformer game, the core mechanics might involve jumping and running, while game mechanics include the rules for how platforms behave, scoring, enemy interactions, and environmental hazards. In a strategy game, the core mechanic might involve tactical decision-making, while game mechanics also define resource management, unit abilities, and victory conditions.
Layered Interaction with Game Mechanics
Core mechanics emerge from the interaction of multiple elements within the game mechanics system. Each element shapes the possible actions a player can take, and together they form the foundation of core gameplay.
For example:
Platformer Game:
- Players: Single player controls a character.
- Goals: Reach the end of the level.
- Procedures & Rules: Move, jump, and avoid hazards.
- Conflict & Boundaries: Enemies, pits, and walls limit actions.
- Outcomes: Reaching the goal or failing.
→ These elements combine to create the core mechanics of running and jumping.
Strategy Game:
- Players: Multiple players or teams competing.
- Goals: Conquer territories or accumulate resources.
- Procedures & Rules: Move units, manage resources, and execute strategies.
- Conflict & Resources: Opponents and limited resources create tactical constraints.
- Outcomes: Victory or defeat.
→ These elements combine to produce the core mechanics of planning and tactical decision-making.
Game Genres and Core Mechanics
Game genres categorize games generally based on their core mechanics. They help designers, marketers, and psychologists understand what players enjoy and why certain types of games feel distinct. Essentially, genres group games by the primary actions players perform.
| Genre | Core Mechanics | Notable Examples / Sub-genres |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Running, jumping, aiming, shooting | FPS: Doom Platformers: Super Mario |
| Simulation | Managing systems, mastering real-world skills | Life sims, flight simulators, sports games |
| Strategy | Planning, resource allocation, unit management | Turn-based strategy, RTS, city builders |
| Adventure | Exploration, puzzle-solving, story interaction | Text adventures, action-adventure: Zelda, Tomb Raider, RPGs/MMORPGs |
| Casual | Simple, repetitive actions | Puzzle games: Tetris, Party games: Mario Party |
| Educational | Tasks tied to learning objectives | Strategy: Civilization, Action-adventure: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey |
| Experimental | Novel and unconventional player actions | LocoRoco |
Examining genres through the lens of core mechanics clarifies why different games feel unique and how they create diverse player experiences.
Limitations of Game Genres
While genre categories help communicate and classify games, they can constrain creativity. Designers may feel pressure to adhere to genre conventions, potentially limiting innovative mechanics. As the YouTube channel Extra Credits notes, defining games strictly by genre can oversimplify the richness of gameplay experiences.
Accessibility
When designing core mechanics, it is essential to ensure they are inclusive. Accessibility is not just a design nicety; it shapes who can engage with the game and how enjoyable the experience is. Thoughtful accessibility considerations allow a wider range of players to experience and master the core mechanics.
- Physical accessibility: Games should accommodate players with different abilities. This can include customizable controls, alternative input methods, or adjustable difficulty for actions like running, jumping, or aiming. For example, allowing a single-button jump or remapping controls can make a platformer accessible to more players.
- Cognitive accessibility: Core mechanics should be clear, intuitive, and easy to understand. Overly complex rules or procedures can overwhelm players, especially in strategy or simulation games. Using tutorials, visual cues, or a gradual introduction of mechanics helps ensure players can learn and engage without frustration.
Accessibility is not just about compliance; it enhances player satisfaction, broadens the audience, and strengthens the connection between players and the core mechanics. By designing with accessibility in mind, the fundamental actions at the heart of the game can be enjoyed by as many people as possible.
Agile Core Mechanics
Designing core mechanics is an iterative process that benefits greatly from an agile approach. This methodology involves continuously testing and refining mechanics through playtesting and feedback.
Playtesting provides crucial insights into how core mechanics function and impact player experience. For core mechanics like strategic planning or puzzle-solving, physical prototypes can be useful for initial testing and refinement. However, for mechanics involving real-time actions, such as running and jumping in action games, digital prototypes are essential. These allow for testing the actual feel and responsiveness of these actions within the game environment.
Iterative Refinement is key to improving core mechanics. By continually adjusting based on player feedback, designers ensure that core actions are polished and align with player expectations. This iterative process helps in fine-tuning the fundamental actions that drive gameplay.
By using an agile methodology, designers can effectively refine core mechanics, making sure they adapt to player needs and preferences while integrating seamlessly into the overall game design.
Summary
Core mechanics are the fundamental actions players repeatedly perform in a game. They emerge from the interaction of multiple elements within the game mechanics system, players, goals, procedures, rules, resources, conflict, boundaries, outcomes, and technology. This layered interaction shapes what players actually do and forms the foundation of the gameplay experience.
When defining core mechanics, it is crucial to consider accessibility. Ensuring that mechanics are inclusive, both physically and cognitively, allows a wider range of players to engage meaningfully with the game. Equally important is playtesting and iterative refinement. Observing how players interact with core mechanics and adjusting based on feedback ensures that these actions are polished, intuitive, and engaging.
While game genres categorize games based on their core mechanics, it is important to remember that core mechanics are just one part of a larger system. Recognizing that a game is more than just its core mechanics reminds us that great game design comes from carefully orchestrating all the pieces of the system to create a cohesive experience.