the gamestate—a collection of all relevant virtual information that may change during play

MDA: Using the mechanics-dynamics-aesthetics model of game development, design-ers create aesthetic models for various types of gameplay. Aesthetics don’t refer to thelooks of the game but rather the emotional response the designer and developmentteam hope to evoke in the players through the game dynamics. If mechanics are therules and dynamics are the play of the game, then aesthetics are typically the fun (orlack thereof) experienced by playing. Designers ask themselves which aesthetic theyhope to achieve, define the dynamics that would lead to this feeling, and then create themechanics to produce the desired dynamics.

C OMMON T ERMS IN G AME D ESIGN

the single playexperience the designer is trying to convey.

An activity with rules. It is a form of play oftenbut not always involving conflict, either with other players, with the game system itself, orwith randomness/fate/luck. Most games have goals, but not all (for example, The Sims andSimCity). Most games have defined start and end points, but not all (for example, World ofWarcraft and Dungeons & Dragons). Most games involve decision making on the part of theplayers, but not all (for example, Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders). A video game is agame (as defined above) that uses a digital video screen of some kind, in some way.”

Yet its rules, simple as they are, allow for a depth of strategy so great that itis still played heavily today