Designers endlessly argue about whether you should start with Mechanics or Theme and which is more important. This is a fool’s errand. Seth Johnson joins me to discuss what Designers should be thinking about when it comes to Mechanics and Theme – how they need to work together.
Mechanics and Theme: The Best of Friends
We use six games to help illustrate this point.
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The Classic, Classic: Chess
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Cultural Shorthand: Zooloretto
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Visceral Themes: Falling
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Easing Apprehension: Tokaido
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Theme and Function: Formula D
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No Instructions Needed: Chopstick Dexterity MegaChallenge 3000
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Eduardo Baraf is a game maker from Mountain View, California. He is married with two boys (5/8) and loves playing games with his family and friends at home. He owns Pencil First Games (Lift Off! Get me off this Planet, The Siblings Trouble, GemPacked Cards) and runs the YouTube channel: Edo’s Game Reviews. Professionally his career spans Video Games, Startups, and VR technology.
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