Game: Settlers of Catan
Mechanics: victory points, turn taking, die rolling, resource handling
Dynamics: building, trading, opponent play
Aesthetics: Fellowship, Competition [unofficial], Abnegation
Settlers of Catan requires that players take turns rolling dice, collecting resource cards (and often losing them) in order that they can build infrastructure to gain victory points. Victory points are ultimately the determinant of the winner. Through the mechanics of turn taking, dice rolling, and resource handling, players can build, trade with one another, and compete. Alliances can form and dissolve. Everyone is ultimately in it for themselves. These gameplay dynamics lead to both fellowship and competition amongst players. I would say Abnegation is a big aesthetic in Catan as well because you step outside of your life and relationships. You become competitive and cut-throat, backstabbing your closest friends for the sake of the game. In this way, you leave your normal way of being and your relationships to enter into a dog eat dog world where every man is for himself. After all, there is only 1 winner and many losers.
