Mechanics or Mechanisms: defining differences in analog games to support game design

Abstract

This research intends to clarify the difference between game mechanisms and mechanics. We propose the reinforcement of game mechanisms as building blocks for game design. After analyzing Board Game Geek (BGG) mechanisms databases and crossing it with the literature review and game examples, we provide a new classification for board game mechanisms. Departing from the Mechanics-Dynamics-Aesthetics (MDA) framework, we propose the Mechanisms, Mechanics, Dynamics, and Experience (MMDE) approach to fit the different concepts of mechanics and mechanisms to analog game systems. These findings should clarify the concept of mechanisms as building blocks for analog game design, which is also useful for hybrid and digital game design.