Week 2: Frameworks (MDA, FFE)

Question 1

What is a Game Design Framework?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Why are Game Design Frameworks used?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What does the M stand for in MDA? What does this mean?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

What does the D stand for in MDA? What does this mean?

Answer 4

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).

Question 5

What does the A stand for in MDA? What does this mean?

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

What is meant by formal elements? Name some.

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

What does “the Player” mean in FFE?

Answer 7

The player becomes part of the magic circle, adopting the responsibility and capability of the avatar

Question 8

List some examples of “the player” elements.

Answer 8

PVE, PVP, CO-OP, Unilateral, Multilateral

Question 9

What are objectives in FFE?

Answer 9

What motivates the player / what are they trying to achieve? How does this relate to the narrative?

Question 10

What is meant by the capture objective?

Answer 10

Take from a opponent and hold

Eg. chess, capture the flag, GW2 (Turf, Gnome Bomb, Suburbination)

Question 11

What is meant by the chase objective?

Answer 11

Outpace the opponent, either to rach or evade

Eg. Tag, Assassin’s Creed, Metal Gear

Question 12

What is meant by the race objective?

Answer 12

Outpace an opponent to a shared destination

Eg. Mario-Kart, Snakes and Ladders

Question 13

What is meant by the alignment objective?

Answer 13

Create designated spatial configuration

Eg. Bejewelled, Tic Tac Toe, Tetris

Question 14

What is meant by the rescue or escape objective?

Answer 14

Move predefined entities from danger to safety

Eg. Fire Emblem, Mario

Question 15

What is meant by the forbidden act objective?

Answer 15

Force your opponent to lose game

Eg. Jenga, Twister

Question 16

What is meant by the construction objective?

Answer 16

Use resources to build or maintain

Eg. SimCity, Minecraft Creative

Question 17

What is meant by the exploration objective?

Answer 17

Observe a game and find its value

Eg. Minecraft Survival, Zelda

Question 18

What is meant by the solution objective?

Answer 18

Find a solution to a problem under constraints

Eg. Angry Birds, Mazes

Question 19

What is meant by the outwit objective?

Answer 19

Gain or use knowledge to win

Eg. Trivial Pursuit

Question 20

What is the procedure element in FFE?

Answer 20

Who does what, when and how during the game? Does the player succeed or fail?

Question 21

List any example of procedures (FFE):

Answer 21

Multiple different endings based on completion or actions

Eg. Hollow Knight (Cloth), Super Metroid (Space Animals), Minecraft Story Mode

Question 22

What is meant by the rules element in FFE?

Answer 22

The transformations and calculations which occur in the game. Similar to mechanics.

Question 23

What are the three types of rules in FFE?

Answer 23

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

Question 24

What is meant by resources in FFE?

Answer 24

What might the player transform, using rules to achieve objectives. Must have utility and scarcity.

Question 25

List examples of resources (FFE):

Answer 25

Lives, Health, Time, Units, Actions, Currency, Power-Ups, Inventory, Terrain

Question 26

What is meant by conflict in FFE?

Answer 26

What must the player contend with in order to accomplish their objectives?

Question 27

List examples of conflicts (FFE)?

Answer 27

Obstacles/ inhibitions to progress: Locked doors

Opponents: Villains, NPCs, other players

Dilemmas: Difficult choices, complex tactics

Question 28

What is meant by boundaries in FFE?

Answer 28

What are the restrictions which come from the theme, rules, scope and practicality.

Are they perceived or explicit?

Question 29

What is meant by outcome in FFE?

Answer 29

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).