Game mechanics are the systems and rules that govern a game, they are the building blocks that make a game work. They define how players interact with the game world and how the game world responds to player actions. Some examples of game mechanics include:
- Movement: This is the way a player moves around the game world, whether it's running, jumping, or flying.
- Combat: This is the way players fight and engage with enemies in the game, whether it's using weapons, magic, or special abilities.
- Inventory: This is the way players manage and use items in the game, whether it's picking up items, using items, or trading items.
- Progression: This is the way players progress through the game, whether it's gaining levels, unlocking new abilities, or completing objectives.
- Physics: This is the way the game world behaves and interacts with players, whether it's gravity, collisions, or environmental hazards.
- AI: This is the way non-player characters (NPCs) and enemies behave in the game, whether it's following set patterns or responding to player actions.
Game mechanics are an essential part of game design, they define the gameplay and player experience. When designing game mechanics, it's important to consider how they will interact with each other, how they will be balanced, and how they will engage the player. In the next sections, we will be diving deeper into each of these topics and provide more details and examples.
Movement
Combat
Inventory
Progression
Physics
AI