Fundaments of Game Design Ch 14 Adding and Subtracting Mechanics Richard Gesick

“Wouldn’t it be great if…?” We add or remove mechanics in games in order to make them more compelling or easier to play The ability to add and remove mechanics from a video game while maintaining the game’s overall vision and enhancing its quality is a key skill

Why add mechanics? The publisher may request changes Changes in the marketplace. Competitor has added new feature(s) the game just doesn’t turn out. People play it, and don’t feel at all compelled to play it again Sequel – has new mechanics The Brainstorm

Why cut mechanics? Removing a mechanic in a game can have amazingly destabilizing and costly effects. Having spent design, programming, and possibly art time to realize its implementation, making the decision to remove a mechanic doesn’t always come easily Ratings – ESRB To deliver on time Core check - common for developers to review their existing feature list and check it against the core of the game, the one thing that game is about

The iterative process of game design works the same whether you’re on the adding or the cutting end. Change it, play it, and evaluate. Repeat. Sometimes altering mechanics can have unintended side effects that are overpowering or underperforming. You never know until you play.