Game mechanics

Gamigication.org defines game mechanics as the building blocks that can be applied and combined to gamify any non-game context. The purpose of a game mechanic is to present interactivity in a game so that it guides the player towards a fun experience. Game mechanics are more about specifying what there is in the game, how everything behaves, and how the player can interact with the game. Game mechanics are about helping players discover the need of being involved in the game itself. They shouldn’t alone be fun, instead, they should have enough fun to get players to stick with the process and find it useful. Using game mechanics effectively is very important in a game design process.

Some game mechanics have been used for centuries (money, points), whereas  others are relatively new such as feedback loops, virtual gifts and money, loyalty programs and leaderboards. Even in the simple game design mechanics that are technically complex. Some of the simplest games mechanics have been discussed by Greg Siering Indiana University, Bloomington. : http://citl.indiana.edu/news/newsStories/dir-mar2012.php

Another important thing to note here is that game mechanics controls the player’s experience by ‘removing some alternatives and emphasizing others.’ Game mechanics must be placed in opposition to one another to include the element of interactivity in a game. The game using only one mechanic presents no interactivity and no choices. The game mechanics should be woven much like the legs of a tripod, creating a space for interactivity so that players can operate within the game. Will Wright calls it a possibility space which is ‘the sum of all the potential gameplay experiences, sort of the wave function of game design.’ There are several game mechanics (as many as 300) and all games use mechanics. Game designers use different theories and styles to select the mechanics those are ultimately important to the game and to have a fun and engaging experience.

Take a look at Samsung Nation’s website(you need not log in or become a member!) using what different game mechanics to solve Samsung's business problem and bring more visitors to the site. The site was developed with so that consumers can interact with their products and write product reviews to register products that they've already bought. The website uses game mechanics like leaderboards and badges to reward achievements. The whole idea to encourage consumers to buy more products.