Ok. I’ve approached game mechanics a few times, but the conversation still persists and the misuse of terms gets worse and worse! I wanted to put together a little glossary with contextual examples, based on my research – so feel free to disagree.
Mechanic: A distinct set of rules that dictate the outcome of specific interactions within the game.
- Game Example: Digging blocks is the core mechanic. Crafting is another mechanic.
- Gamification Example: The drag and drop mechanism in timeline sort challenge. The timer is also a mechanic as is the act of turning over cards in the memory match game.
Dynamic. The emergent outcomes of player and system interactions with game mechanics.
- Game Example: Building a fortress in Minecraft with friends.
- Gamification Example: Pooling knowledge in the social chat area to help each other complete the challenges.
Aesthetic/Immersion: The feelings and emotions the game evokes in the player.
