Game mechanics define how a game works for players: the rules or ludemes that govern and guide player actions, along with the game's response to them.
Definition
In tabletop games and video games, game mechanics define how a game works for players. They are the rules or ludemes that govern and guide player actions, as well as the game's response to those actions.
Rules vs Ludemes
A rule is an instruction on how to play, while a ludeme is an element of play. For example, the L-shaped move of the knight in chess is a ludeme that illustrates mechanics in action.
Context and Complexity
The interplay of various mechanics determines a game's complexity and how players interact with it. All games use game mechanics, though different theories disagree about their degree of importance to a game. The process and study of game design includes efforts to develop mechanics that engage players.
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