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

2. “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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.