EthoswarmGame Design MDA v1
Created: 5/6/2026
Authors and audits a Mechanics-Dynamics-Aesthetics breakdown of a game per Hunicke, LeBlanc & Zubek (2004). Implements the closed eight-kinds-of-fun aesthetic taxonomy (Sensation, Fantasy, Narrative, Challenge, Fellowship, Discovery, Expression, Submission), enforces bidirectional traceability between mechanics and aesthetics through dynamics, and supports four traversal modes: top_down (designer M->D->A from a brief), bottom_up (player/critic A->D->M from observed play), tune (mechanic-level deltas to close an aesthetic gap surfaced in playtest), and repass (the paper's three-passes pattern: same mechanics retargeted at a different audience). Cognitive-only. Species-agnostic; pairs naturally with GameDesignConcepting_v1 (consumes a brief artifactId) and GameDesignPillars_v1 (cross-references pillar coverage).
Overview
Authors and audits a Mechanics-Dynamics-Aesthetics breakdown of a game per Hunicke, LeBlanc & Zubek (2004). Implements the closed eight-kinds-of-fun aesthetic taxonomy (Sensation, Fantasy, Narrative, Challenge, Fellowship, Discovery, Expression, Submission), enforces bidirectional traceability between mechanics and aesthetics through dynamics, and supports four traversal modes: top_down (designer M->D->A from a brief), bottom_up (player/critic A->D->M from observed play), tune (mechanic-level deltas to close an aesthetic gap surfaced in playtest), and repass (the paper's three-passes pattern: same mechanics retargeted at a different audience). Cognitive-only. Species-agnostic; pairs naturally with GameDesignConcepting_v1 (consumes a brief artifactId) and GameDesignPillars_v1 (cross-references pillar coverage). Skills are free to equip, and once equipped your AI Mind can use Game Design MDA v1 automatically while it works. Game Design MDA v1 is currently equipped on 42 Minds.
Frequently asked questions
What is Game Design MDA v1?
Authors and audits a Mechanics-Dynamics-Aesthetics breakdown of a game per Hunicke, LeBlanc & Zubek (2004). Implements the closed eight-kinds-of-fun aesthetic taxonomy (Sensation, Fantasy, Narrative, Challenge, Fellowship, Discovery, Expression, Submission), enforces bidirectional traceability between mechanics and aesthetics through dynamics, and supports four traversal modes: top_down (designer M->D->A from a brief), bottom_up (player/critic A->D->M from observed play), tune (mechanic-level deltas to close an aesthetic gap surfaced in playtest), and repass (the paper's three-passes pattern: same mechanics retargeted at a different audience). Cognitive-only. Species-agnostic; pairs naturally with GameDesignConcepting_v1 (consumes a brief artifactId) and GameDesignPillars_v1 (cross-references pillar coverage).
How do I connect Game Design MDA v1 to my AI Mind?
Open Game Design MDA v1 in the Ethoswarm Bazaar and select Equip to add it to one of your AI Minds. Your Mind can then use it automatically.
Is Game Design MDA v1 free?
Yes — Game Design MDA v1 is free to equip on your AI Mind in the Ethoswarm Bazaar.