What is game design in gamification?
Game design is the last crucial pillar in any gamification strategy. It consists of integrating two essential elements: the challenge and the player's decisions. Think of it as the engine that drives continuous and meaningful interaction with your participants. The challenge is the central challenge that the player must overcome, while the decisions are the choices you allow him to make, placing him at the center of the strategy and establishing what is under his control and what is not.
With these elements decided, it is recommended to implement the MDA model (Mechanics, Dynamics and Aesthetics) to enrich the player's experience and structure a robust gamified strategy.
How to integrate the MDA model into your strategy?
The key to the MDA model is the effective integration of three elements:
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Mechanics: These are the rules or methods that underpin the game design. They determine how the player performs certain actions. For example, a mechanic could be "answer the quiz correctly and you get five points". Thus, you define the specific actions the player can take.
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Dynamics: Emerge from the mechanics and refer to how players interact with them and with each other. They seek to involve and motivate the participants. Following the previous example, if the player who answers the most quizzes obtains a recognition or prize, you would be promoting a competitive dynamic.
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Aesthetics: These incorporate sensory elements that evoke emotions and engagement, such as colors, shapes, sounds and other sensory stimuli. Aesthetics are fundamental to immediately capture the player's attention and keep their interest in the game's narrative.
What is the importance of perspectives in the MDA approach?
The MDA model not only helps designers structure and combine these elements, but also provides two essential perspectives within the gamification experience:
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From the designer's perspective: The focus is first on the mechanics to generate the strategy, followed by the dynamics to be promoted and finally, the aesthetics to be applied.
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From the player's perspective: The player's attention is usually captured first by the aesthetics, which are the initial hook. Once their interest has been captured, the dynamics of the game are developed through the designed mechanics.
With these perspectives, the MDA approach allows not only to structure a cohesive and engaging strategy, but also to enrich the player's experience by combining thoughtful challenges and decisions.
What's next after understanding the MDA approach?
After understanding the implementation of the MDA model in game design, it is essential to explore it further. Ask yourself how many mechanics are necessary to generate effective dynamics. This questioning opens the door to further analysis and the exchange of ideas with others who are exploring the same path.
Your participation in the process of learning and applying gamification is valuable! Share your thoughts and reflections, and stay motivated in this fascinating journey of innovating user interaction and engagement.
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