game-mechanics-designer

Identify the atomic unit of fun the player repeats second-to-second, such as kill-loot-upgrade, then define the session-to-session meta-game. The Skill structures this using the MDA framework and outputs it as a GDD section.

Use exponential growth (Base * Multiplier^Level) for RPG leveling where costs feel increasingly significant, or polynomial growth for smoother mid-game pacing. The balancing reference includes linear, logarithmic, and S-curve options with worked examples.

Total currency sources like quest rewards and drops must equal or slightly exceed sinks like repairs and upgrades to prevent deflation. The Skill provides a source/sink table and a time-to-earn ratio targeting one to two hours per meaningful upgrade.

MDA stands for Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics: rules create emergent player behaviors, which produce emotional experiences. The reference covers eight aesthetics from Sensation to Submission and maps mechanics to the dynamics they enable.

Use the Bartle taxonomy to identify whether your audience is Achievers, Explorers, Socializers, or Killers, then weight features accordingly. For example, leaderboards suit Achievers and Killers while hidden areas serve Explorers.

Use a pity system when pure weighted random drops create frustrating droughts for rare items. It increases effective drop rate with each failed attempt or guarantees a drop after a threshold, smoothing player experience without changing stated rarity.