This tool is designed to help you explore, combine, and innovate with game mechanics. Whether you're prototyping a new game or refining an existing one, MechMash helps you think about complex mechanics as their core components, discover new combinations, and understand how different mechanics interact.
The goal is to help you arrive at unique, engaging mechanics that serve your game's core experience and that ultimately can be supported by the game's systems and development resources.
MechMash is particularly valuable during these key moments in your game development:
Getting started with MechMash is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Start by analyzing existing mechanics or creating new ones. Break them down into their core components and understand what makes them work.
Use the tool to experiment with different mechanic combinations. See how they might interact and what new possibilities emerge.
Understand how different combinations affect your game's complexity. More specifically, appreciate how critical some of your mechanics are to the overall experience and make sure you can support them sufficiently.
Keep track of your experiments and findings. Use this knowledge to refine your mechanics and create better gameplay experiences.
Here are some key tips to get the most out of MechMash:
Begin with basic mechanics and gradually add complexity. It's easier to build up than to simplify later.
Don't wait to test your mechanic combinations. Quick prototypes can save you from going down the wrong path.
Keep track of what works and what doesn't. Your notes will become a valuable resource as you iterate so that you can always be moving forward.
Remember your game's core experience. Every mechanic should serve a purpose and enhance the player's journey.