Week 2: Frameworks (MDA, FFE) Flashcards
What is a Game Design Framework?
Game Design Frameworks are an established method which break down a design into specific components designed to deconstruct the structure of the game in an easy to understand way.
Why are Game Design Frameworks used?
They are used as…
- A means of communication between designers
- As a checklist to guide you to gaps and problems with the game
- As a methodology / agenda, allowing you to adopt a particular approach in your game
What does the M stand for in MDA? What does this mean?
Mechanics: The statistics, transformations and content which make up the game including limitations, processes and available actions. Adding and removing mechanics affects the entire stack.
What does the D stand for in MDA? What does this mean?
Dynamics: The interface between the player and the mechanics, including the player’s experience and patterns of play. (How the game is presented to the player).
What does the A stand for in MDA? What does this mean?
Aesthetics: What makes the collective experience of the game fun rather than the appearance of the game (It’s more philosophical). This includes the sensation, narrative, discovery, expression, competition etc.
What is meant by formal elements? Name some.
Formal elements: The elements which form the structure of the game and thus are imperative to the game’s existence.
These include the Player, Objectives, Procedures, Rules, Resources, Conflict, Boundaries and Outcomes.
What does “the Player” mean in FFE?
The player becomes part of the magic circle, adopting the responsibility and capability of the avatar
List some examples of “the player” elements.
PVE, PVP, CO-OP, Unilateral, Multilateral
What are objectives in FFE?
What motivates the player / what are they trying to achieve? How does this relate to the narrative?
What is meant by the capture objective?
Take from a opponent and hold
Eg. chess, capture the flag, GW2 (Turf, Gnome Bomb, Suburbination)
What is meant by the chase objective?
Outpace the opponent, either to rach or evade
Eg. Tag, Assassin’s Creed, Metal Gear
What is meant by the race objective?
Outpace an opponent to a shared destination
Eg. Mario-Kart, Snakes and Ladders
What is meant by the alignment objective?
Create designated spatial configuration
Eg. Bejewelled, Tic Tac Toe, Tetris
What is meant by the rescue or escape objective?
Move predefined entities from danger to safety
Eg. Fire Emblem, Mario
What is meant by the forbidden act objective?
Force your opponent to lose game
Eg. Jenga, Twister
What is meant by the construction objective?
Use resources to build or maintain
Eg. SimCity, Minecraft Creative
What is meant by the exploration objective?
Observe a game and find its value
Eg. Minecraft Survival, Zelda
What is meant by the solution objective?
Find a solution to a problem under constraints
Eg. Angry Birds, Mazes
What is meant by the outwit objective?
Gain or use knowledge to win
Eg. Trivial Pursuit
What is the procedure element in FFE?
Who does what, when and how during the game? Does the player succeed or fail?
List any example of procedures (FFE):
Multiple different endings based on completion or actions
Eg. Hollow Knight (Cloth), Super Metroid (Space Animals), Minecraft Story Mode
What is meant by the rules element in FFE?
The transformations and calculations which occur in the game. Similar to mechanics.
What are the three types of rules in FFE?
Defining objects: Sword should do 10 damage
Restricting Actions: Mages cannot use swords
Determining effects: If the sword drops you to 0 hp you should die
What is meant by resources in FFE?
What might the player transform, using rules to achieve objectives. Must have utility and scarcity.
List examples of resources (FFE):
Lives, Health, Time, Units, Actions, Currency, Power-Ups, Inventory, Terrain
What is meant by conflict in FFE?
What must the player contend with in order to accomplish their objectives?
List examples of conflicts (FFE)?
Obstacles/ inhibitions to progress: Locked doors
Opponents: Villains, NPCs, other players
Dilemmas: Difficult choices, complex tactics
What is meant by boundaries in FFE?
What are the restrictions which come from the theme, rules, scope and practicality.
Are they perceived or explicit?
What is meant by outcome in FFE?
The uncertain solution to the game, whether realised or not.
Who wins (the final goal). Some games point to an outcome which never happens (MMOs).
