Games MDA

Mechanics | Mechanics | Matas Petrikas | Flickr

These three principles of a game are the keys to creating a successful game. While these are somewhat in the creator's control, the first element is in the most control of the creator. Then that element controls the second element which ultimately controls the third element. These Three Elements are

M= Mechanics

D= Dynamics

A= Aesthetic

These are the three main tools used to break down games, The creator has 100% control over the mechanics, the mechanics together determine what the dynamic of the game will be, and the dynamic of the game will induce the game aesthetic.

#1: Mechanics

The Mechanics of the game are the very base. This is where the developer controls what rules are to be put into the game. When the player is playing the game, there is a lot of work behind the scenes of the game that the creator has worked on and set up. This can include aspects that the player can control, like the buttons the player can press and the controls the player can use. It can also include aspects of the game that are out of the player's control. For example, the Visual Background or how the obstacles operate, or the enemy's strengths. 

#2: Dynamics

The definition of a dynamic is what occurs when all elements of a group combined together. In this case, the dynamic of a game is the combination of all of the mechanics. 

#3 Aesthetic

The aesthetic of the game is what the game makes the audience feel. This can be based on the environment of the game and the storylines. The aesthetic induces the emotional respense of the player. There are many types of aesthetics. 

Sensation

Fantasy

Challenge

Discovery

Expression

Submission

...and many more. Overall, the aesthetic of the game brings in the "fun" for the player.

External Links

Mechanics Dynamics Aesthetics(MDA): game design theory behind games (gamedevelopertips.com)

Using the MDA Framework as an Approach to Game Design | by Jenny Carroll | Medium

Gamification and the MDA framework – As I learn … (marcabraham.com)