Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics, Metrics: Understanding Player Experience in a Data-Fueled Industry

MDA (Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics) is a well-worn Game Design tool for understanding the player experience in Games. In our increasingly data-driven industry, that player experience is increasingly invisible, as we focus on quantifiable metrics.

This talk will introduce MDA, look at how it can enhance data-focused analysis in games, and how (and why) to use user testing to understand the player experience behind performance metrics.

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Key Takeaways:

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1. Why data-focused approaches to games are inadequate to understand and improve player experiences

2. How the MDA framework can help us understand how that experience arises from the game’s mechanics

3. How user testing, and the simple act of watching people play your game will reshape the way you approach problem-solving

4. Guidance for planning & conducting user testing

Amy Goodenough

Amy Goodenough leads the game design team on Tripledot Studio’s “Triple Tile” family of games, where she brings creativity, strategy, and passion to every project. With a career spanning over six years, she has seamlessly blended Narrative Design, Game Design, and Product Management, contributing to the development, launch, and ongoing management of eight published games. Her work is driven by a commitment to creating engaging experiences for players.
Amy is a strong advocate for the importance of user testing and deeply understanding the player experience. She believes that while modern data tools offer unprecedented insights into game performance, studios without an eye on the players behind the numbers are flying blind.
Beyond the studio, Amy is an accomplished writer, TTRPG game master, and a passionate believer in the essential human need for entertainment. She brings this attitude to her work, always striving to create games that bring delight, satisfaction, and relief to players.