Game Mechanics
A Game Mechanic is a collection of rules or systems that make a game work.
They are the things players do or use during the game to progress, survive, or win.
Game mechanics can be small or complex:
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“Chopping down trees gives you resources.”
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“Using a Chug Jug gives you a shield.”
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“Using a balloon makes you float. The more you use, the higher you go. This can help you avoid fall damage or reach sniping spots.”
Examples of Game Mechanics in Popular Games
Games have lots of different mechanics. Some are small, some are big, but all of them help the game work and feel fun to play.
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Building structures from gathered materials
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Storm Circle that gets smaller over time
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Reboot Van to revive teammates
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Consumable Shields for extra protection
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Ping System to mark locations or enemies
- Crafting tools, weapons, and blocks
- Block Breaking/Placing to change the world
- Health & Hunger meters
- Day/Night Cycle that affects danger
- Redstone Circuits for logic and automation
- Climbing/Stamina System to explore
- Weapon Durability (weapons break after use)
- Cooking for health and buffs
- Paraglider for travelling long distances
- Environmental Effects (weather, temperature)
- Task Completion to win as a Crewmate
- Sabotage to distract or defeat Crewmates
- Emergency Meetings for group discussion
- Venting to move quickly (Impostor only)
- Voting System to eject players
- Item Boxes that give random power-ups
- Drifting for speed boosts
- Anti-Gravity Racing on walls and ceilings
- Blue Shells that target first place
- Character Weight Classes affecting speed and control
Whether it’s building, shielding, or sneaking—game mechanics are what turn ideas into play.
Game Mechanics Help
Below is a collection of prompts to help you explore game mechanics. Simply answer the questions that apply to your chosen game.
View Game Mechanic Help
Player Goals and Outcomes:
- How does the player win?
- How does the player lose?
- What does the player need to do to complete the game?
Player Actions and Abilities:
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What cool things can players do in the game?
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What can the player build, use, or collect?
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What actions can players repeat over and over?
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Can players work together or compete against each other?
Game Rules and Systems:
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What rules does the game follow?
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What happens if a player breaks the rules?
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Are there any systems that change over time (like weather, zones, or difficulty)?
Challenge and Progress:
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How does the game get harder?
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What challenges does the player face?
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How does the game reward progress?
Tools and Features:
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What special tools or items does the game give the player?
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How does the player heal, protect themselves, or upgrade?
Strategy and Choice:
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Are there different ways to win?
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What choices can the player make that affect the game?