Mechanics are the base components of the game – its rules, every basic action the player can take in the game, the algorithms and data structures in the game engine etc.
Dynamics
actual dynamics/mechanics
Dynamics are the run-time behavior of the mechanics acting on player input and “cooperating” with other mechanics.
Aesthetics
emotional responses/total experience of game
Aesthetics are the emotional responses evoked in the player.
Eight Type of Aesthetics
Sensation (Game as sense-pleasure): Player experiences something completely unfamiliar.
play it for the music or the visuals
Fantasy (Game as make-believe): Imaginary world.
based off of fiction
Narrative (Game as drama): A story that drives the player to keep coming back
about the stories and human drama
Challenge (Game as obstacle course): Urge to master something. Boosts a game’s replayability.
engagement in overcoming obstacles
Fellowship (Game as social framework): A community where the player is an active part of it. Almost exclusive for multiplayer games.
focuses on social aspects
Discovery (Game as uncharted territory): Urge to explore game world.
uncovering hte new
findin ghwat there is left ot find
Expression (Game as self-discovery): Own creativity. For example, creating character resembling player’s own avatar.
let you express yourself through games
Submission (Game as pastime): Connection to the game, as a whole, despite of constraints.
lets you zone out, take away from real world
Competition
demonstrate our superiority over others
knowing and delivering on core aesthetics helps sell good games
Extra Notes
ask yourself why should people play your game
combine genres to reinforce core aesthetic
find genres that you like that have similar cores
combine genres by looking for things in one genre had and the other one doesn’t
make sure you know how genres fit together, don’t combine according to personal preference