mda: human dynamics
DESCRIPTION
MDA: Human Dynamics. 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 Dynamics. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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…