gd-design-theory

Use Self-Determination Theory to check which of the three needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness) is unmet, then apply Flow Theory to determine if players are in the boredom or anxiety zone. The decision matrix maps churn questions directly to these frameworks.

MDA stands for Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics, a framework by Hunicke, LeBlanc, and Zubek for analyzing games systematically. Designers build from mechanics to aesthetics, while players experience aesthetics first, so design backwards from the desired emotion.

Apply Koster's Theory of Fun to check if players are still learning patterns, and use the Game Feel juice checklist to add visual effects, sound, screen feedback, and haptics to every action. Also verify the action is discernible and integrated per Meaningful Play.

Variable Ratio schedules, where rewards arrive randomly after an unpredictable number of actions, produce the strongest engagement per Operant Conditioning research. Gacha and loot boxes use this schedule, so apply it responsibly to avoid exploitative design.

Use the Hooked Model to design the habit loop of trigger, action, variable reward, and investment for retention. Use Octalysis as a checklist of eight core drives to balance extrinsic motivators like scarcity with intrinsic ones like epic meaning.