Let’s practice analyzing the relationship between game mechanics and the player experience they create. Using the Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics framework, analyze a game of your choosing. No need to write an essay – there’s no required length for this assignment, but you should be as specific as possible.

  1. Choose a game to analyze. The game can be digital or analog or physical but should be reasonably complex.

  2. Write a short description of the game. You should describe
    • The high-level player experience. If you were the game director, how would you describe the vision of this game?
    • If applicable, the objective of the game
    • If applicable, the narrative premise of the game
    • The procedure of the game. In brief, what is the player doing?
  3. Choose three mechanics from this game. For each mechanic, provide a breakdown of
    • The mechanics: what is the game “rule”?
    • The dynamics: what player behavior does this elicit?
    • The aesthetics: what emotional response does this evoke?
  4. Write a brief reflection on how the three mechanics you’ve chosen work together to support the vision of the game. Or don’t!