Day 4: Games as Systems

What’s the MDA Framework? Learn all about Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics in this video and how you can add it to your game designer toolkit.

Let’s get rolling and identify the Aesthetics, Dynamics, and Mechanics for one of your favorite games. Feeling like a challenge? Try and use the same framework to design a game from scratch.

MDA Framework Activity Worksheet (PDF)

A great way to break down games is to approach them as systems. In this video you’ll see how a system flow diagram effectively can map a game out.

Get your hands dirty by creating a system flow diagram for Tetris or a game of your choice. This activity will push you to think systemically around games you play and design!

Systems Flow Diagram Worksheet (PDF)

But what about the player? These last videos of the day will get you thinking about player psychology and skill, choice, and flow.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3