Exercise: Pick a game you love, and identify a set of mechanics that create a dynamic that makes a certain kind of fun for you.
Minecraft, although a heavily used example, was an integral game of my childhood that I adore. There are many mechanics, or components of the game at the granularity of data structure and algorithms, that make this game possible. Minecraft is heavily reliant on linear algebra for spatial mapping throughout the game, hence an algorithm or mechanic. Alongside this, planar representation and 3 dimensional coordinates mapping allow users to enjoy the game in a three dimensional visual. There are a plethora of algorithms at play that require an understanding of linear algebra.
These work together to create a dynamic of creative building and interactive gameplay with the Minecraft world, allowing players to shape the visual world around them with interactive sounds, engaging the senses.
This immediately and ultimately feeds into the aesthetic of fantasy and self-discovery. These aesthetics also exist alongside challenge, sensation (the music and visuals), and fellowship. Minecraft executes multiple aesthetics simultaneously making it so popular and memorable among the masses.
Going Further:
Nicole Larazzo’s 4 Keys to Fun
(+) favorite moments were engaging activity that challenges us
(+) too challenging or too easy will cause a user to lose interest
(+) Fiero is created through balance of difficulty and skill
(+) play is a way to express creativity and is mentally-engaging
(+) play is a huge medium for cultural history throughout the world
Chris Crawford Reading
(+) very straightforward and linear classification
(-) dichotomy is stifling for mediums that can be cross-classified or check multiple boxes.
