Tools

Satellite Mechanics

Satellite Mechanics expand the gameplay by cleverly modifying its core-mechanic.

WHY USE THIS?
When you want to add more spice to your gameplay, it’s a good idea to add variety. To not get lost in a sea of possibilities, rather than coming up with completely new mechanics, you can expand upon your core-mechanic through the following steps, resulting in what we call satellite mechanics. The core-mechanic is the one thing that your player does the most. This can be the shooting in a shooter or the movement of a character in a platformer.

HOW TO FIND THEM?

  1. Describe the core mechanic of your game. What will the player be doing most of the time? Position it firmly on top of the canvas.
  2. Fill in the column called “Enhancement”. Here you describe what your mechanic could look like if enhanced. Think about enhancing its size, scope, speed, impact, etc.
  3. Fill in the column called “Opposition”. What could your mechanic look like if decreased in size, scope, speed, impact, etc.?
  4. Lastly, think of “Alternate” mechanics. How can your core-mechanic be brought forward in a different context? If, for example, your core-mechanic is walking and jumping, think about ways in which player movement can be done aside from direct player input. How could an environment facilitate this?
  5. Assess the results of your canvas. What speaks to you? Single out the things that seem most fitting.

EXAMPLE CANVAS

REFERENCES
Gameplay and Game Mechanics Design: A Key to Quality in Videogames (Carlo Fabricatore)