Core Mechanics Diagram

Communicate visually the main actions that the player will do in your game. 

WHY USE THIS?

At the beginning of the project, this diagram will help you clarify your intention, challenge your concept and push it further. You can use this diagram to improve the consistency of your game systems, making sure that they fit together and complement each other.  

HOW TO MAKE ONE

Draw the diagram below, or use the template. 

Starting from the core gameplay, define:

• The core mechanic of a game: the activity a player most frequently does in a game. 
• The secondary mechanics: the interactions that are less frequent in the game.
• The progression layer: the way levels are built up and progression is communicated.
• The story layer: how everything the player is doing fits into context.

Check out the template for examples from existing games.

References

Charmie Kim https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/designing-around-a-core-mechanic