mda: human dynamics

Dynamics

MDA: Human Dynamics

Where does the player fit into MDA?

• MDA is a cognitive approach.• There are other approaches.

Player as Audience

Aesthetics

Player as Component

Mechanics

Player as Participant

Dynamics

Game DynamicsGame Dynamics

• We want to explain and predict the events of the activity.

• Science gives us Dynamic Models.

“Rules” “Fun”“Activity”

Room

Feedback System is One Example

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Chance

in 3

6

Die roll

Example: Random Variable

• This is a model of 2d6:

No Grand Unified Theory

Q: What Dynamic Models can psychology provide?

The “Scourge Factor”The “Scourge Factor”

How might this fail?

SissyFightIs Someone

Winning?

Let’s gang up!Team Attack!

Example: Greed Catalyst

Which game is harder?

PowerUps = Easier

PowerUps = Easier

Important details

• The powerup wears off– Creates an “optimality cliff”

• Turns enemies into scoring targets– Encourages riskier play

• “Greed Catalyst:” a “gift” that makes the player recklessly greedy.

The powerup changes the dynamics of play by changing the player’s behavior.

Could convince players to diverge from a “safer” gang-up strategy.

Perception

• I can’t act on what I can’t perceive.

Change Blindness

Visual Noise

Attribution

• How people assign blame or credit.

Fundamental Attribution Error

• Our own choices are rational and situational.

• Other people’s choices are governed by personality and mood.

Players might misdiagnose a “scourge” situation.

Self-Serving Bias

• Our successes are deliberate.

• Our failures are not our fault.

The Gunslinger’s Alibi

• When I win, it’s skill.

• When I lose, it’s luck.

Randomness is self-serving.

• Player is more tolerant of failure.

• Player is more stubborn about his choices. (Confirmation bias)

No need to change course in order to bring down the scourge.

The Marshmallow Test

Cognitive Dissonance: You have to Eat It

Aesthetics

Some Aesthetic Implications

Gunslinger’s Alibi

• I can feel smart without making you feel dumb.

• Only if there’s some randomness.

• “Beginner’s Luck”

• Wizards’ 70/30 rule

Purloined Letter

• Something the player knows about, but still doesn’t see coming.

Gunslinger’s Alibi+

Purloined Letter

Gunslinger’s Alibi+

Purloined Letter=

Aesthetics

Dynamics

Mechanics

Are these separate?

Separate views only

Discuss…