Framework

🎮 MDA Framework + Motivation

This project applies the MDA (Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics) framework to analyze how games generate meaningful player experiences.

• Mechanics are the game systems represented as data and algorithms.
• Dynamics are the emergent behaviors created by the player interacting with the game systems.
• Aesthetics are the emotional responses by players during play.

To understand why these emotional responses are motivating, the Aesthetics are explored through core intrinsic motivators:

• Play driven by joy, discovery and expression.
• Purpose driven by meaning, narrative and social connection.
• Potential driven by challenge, mastery and growth.

Since the focus is on motivational drivers, the demotivating or redactive factors are treated more simply. These are simply grouped under Inertia - habit, grind and pressure.