MDA Framework and Genre

MDA Framework

Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics

  • M – Mechanics: the rules and systems that create the play we experience/ the math for how shooting works 
  • D – Dynamics:  dynamics are the actual experience you’ll play those mechanics come together to create/ the running and gunning 
    A – Ascetics: are the underlying emotive reasons we go to that game/ the challenge or the fantasy

Eight Type of Aesthetics

  1. Sensation (Game as sense-pleasure): Player experiences something completely unfamiliar.
  2. Fantasy (Game as make-believe): Imaginary world.
  3. Narrative (Game as drama): A story that drives the player to keep coming back
  4. Challenge (Game as obstacle course): Urge to master something. Boosts a game’s replayability.
  5. Fellowship (Game as social framework): A community where the player is an active part of it. Almost exclusive for multiplayer games.
  6. Discovery (Game as uncharted territory): Urge to explore game world.
  7. Expression (Game as self-discovery): Own creativity. For example, creating character resembling player’s own avatar.
  8. Submission (Game as pastime): Connection to the game, as a whole, despite of constraints.

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