Now that we know how to adapt game mechanics and which processes are available to do so, it's time to focus on one of the most challenging and exciting tasks for a game designer: coming up with brand new game mechanics! The difference between adapting and creating new mechanics is thin, though. We will see in this chapter how new game mechanics can be created not only as actions available to the players but also as different dynamics that are generated in-game by existing core mechanics.
We will discuss some of the theories behind game design and the creation of mechanics that are fun to play, and we'll dive into how a new mechanic needs to be taught to the player and how the core loop of a game is formed. Finally, we're going to have a close look at the design of a combat system and why combat and conflict are an important part of many video...