Reading the article MDA: A Formal Approach to Game Design and Game Research, I learned about the importance of what MDA is.
What is MDA?
MDA is a formal approach to understanding games- one which attempts to bridge the gap between game design and
development, game criticism, and technical game research.
MDA stands for Mechanics, Dynamics and Aesthetics
Game mechanics– are the rules, systems, and actions that define how a game works and how players interact with it.
Game dynamics– the overarching narrative, progression, and player-system interactions that motivate a player’s actions and create engagement. They are the emergent behaviors and relationships that arise from a game’s underlying mechanics and drive player motivation and behavior.
Game aesthetics– the overall experience of playing the game, including the emotions, moods, and themes that are evoked.
Understanding these three parts can help improve gaming experience overall.
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