Lessons Learned from Literature: Best Practices in Designing Mechanics for Different Video Game Genres

Authors

  • jose luis david Bonilla Carranza Universidad de Guadalajara https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8690-4865
  • Jose Esteban Hernandez De Leon Universidad de Guadalajara, Centro Universitario De Ciencias De La Salud
  • Veronica Camacho Santillan Universidad de Guadalajara, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas e Ingenierías
  • Erendira Alvarez Tostado Martinez Universidad de Guadalajara, Centro Universitario De Los Valles
  • Erick Jorge Roberto Guerrero Muñoz Universidad de Guadalajara, Centro Universitario De Los Valles

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32870/recibe.v14i3.478

Keywords:

Game Mechanics Design, Dynamic Aesthetic Mechanics, Game Balance, Player Progression, Literature Maps

Abstract

Abstract. This article conducts a systematic mapping of the literature on video game mechanics design, aiming to identify the most recurrent and effective best practices applied across different genres. Based on the analysis of academic and professional sources, it highlights the contributions of theoretical frameworks such as MDA (Mechanics, Dynamics and Aesthetics), Schell's Tetrad, and recent proposals focused on player experience. The study organizes the lessons learned according to the main genres (platformers, puzzle games, RPGs, strategy, action-adventure, among others), pointing out common patterns and specific recommendations. Among the main findings are the importance of designing clear core mechanics, promoting meaningful choices, balancing risk and reward, and adapting progression and feedback to the player's profile. Finally, a synthesis of cross-cutting best practices is offered as a guide for designers, as well as an overview of gaps in the literature that can guide future research.

Author Biography

jose luis david Bonilla Carranza, Universidad de Guadalajara

José Luis David Bonilla. Estudiante  del Doctorado en Ciencias de la Electrónica y la Computación,  Maestría en Tecnologías de la Información, actualmente labora como profesionista en el departamento de TI de CFE, Zona Reforma y Profesor del Departamento de Ciencias Computacionales, donde imparte materias como gráficas por computadora, programación para Internet, simulación para computadoras, Hipermedia, entre otras, es Co-Fundador de Innovusweb,  creador de comunidades como Taban.mx donde se especializa en la ingeniería de los videojuegos, Inventores.mx comunidad de makes en cucei UDG,  siendo un entusiasta en el uso de blender, siendo un especialista en la creación de interfaces gráficas, e Internet de las cosas también es programador de videojuego actualmente trabajando en BlackLion Fantasy y divulgador de movimiento del software libre. Sus hobbies  videojuegos retros  y el cine.

References

Smith, J., Johnson, A.: A Framework for Analyzing Core Gameplay Loops in Modern RPGs. In: Proceedings of the 2023 ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '23), pp. 1–15. ACM, New York (2023). https://doi.org/10.1145/3544548.3580695

Chen, L., Wang, Y.: Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment in Puzzle Games Using Player Modeling. In: Proceedings of the Foundations of Digital Games (FDG '22), pp. 1–10. ACM, New York (2022). https://doi.org/10.1145/3555858.3590632

Müller, S., et al.: Player Experience and Game Mechanics: A Systematic Review. In: Game User Experience and Player-Centered Design, pp. 45–67. Springer, Cham (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37643-3_4

Diaz, G., Brown, M.: The Role of Asymmetric Design in Real-Time Strategy Games. Journal of Game Design and Development Education, 5(2), 33–48 (2021).

Williams, K., et al.: Sensory Feedback and Its Impact on Player Immersion in First-Person Shooters. In: Proceedings of the 2022 IEEE Conference on Games (CoG), pp. 1–8. IEEE, New York (2022). https://doi.org/10.1109/CoG51982.2022.9893567

Garcia, P., et al.: Balancing Complexity and Usability in RPG Inventory Systems. In: Human-Computer Interaction – INTERACT 2021, pp. 401–418. Springer, Cham (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85607-6_28

Thompson, R., et al.: Emergent Gameplay in Open-World RPGs: A Case Study of The Witcher 3. In: Proceedings of the 2020 Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA '20) (2020).

Lee, H., et al.: The Psychology of Flow in Puzzle Games. In: Games and Learning Alliance (GALA 2020), pp. 89–101. Springer, Cham (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-63464-3_9

O'Neil, T., et al.: Procedural Content Generation for Puzzle Games. In: Proceedings of the 2023 IEEE Conference on Computational Intelligence and Games (CIG), pp. 1–8. IEEE, New York (2023). https://doi.org/10.1109/CIG.2023.9243662

Zhang, W., et al.: Player Retention and Reward Systems in Live-Service Games. In: Proceedings of the 2024 ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '24), pp. 1–16. ACM, New York (2024). https://doi.org/10.1145/3613904.3642899

Fernandez, J., et al.: Ethical Considerations in Game Mechanic Design. In: Ethics and Game Design: Teaching Values Through Play, pp. 77–92. Springer, Cham (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-88787-5_6

Ivanov, A., et al.: Adaptive AI for Dynamic Game Balance in Strategy Games. In: Artificial Intelligence in Video Games, pp. 155–170. Springer, Cham (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05984-6_10

Park, S., et al.: The Impact of Control Responsiveness on Player Performance in FPS Games. In: Proceedings of the 2021 Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play (CHI PLAY '21), pp. 320–332. ACM, New York (2021). https://doi.org/10.1145/3450337.3483456

Roberts, M., et al.: Narrative Integration and Game Mechanics in Adventure Games. In: Interactive Storytelling (ICIDS '23), pp. 201–215. Springer, Cham (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-47655-6_15

Taylor, L., et al.: Cross-Cultural Differences in Game Mechanic Preferences. In: Proceedings of the 2022 Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA '22) (2022).

Wilson, E., et al.: Game Mechanics for Social Interaction in Multiplayer Games. In: Social Interaction in Virtual Worlds, pp. 133–150. Springer, Cham (2020). https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO978051197823.009

Novak, V., et al.: The Role of Failure in Player Learning and Engagement. In: Proceedings of the 2023 Foundations of Digital Games (FDG '23), pp. 1–12. ACM, New York (2023). https://doi.org/10.1145/3582437.3587201

Jensen, K., et al.: Audio Feedback and Its Effect on Player Performance. In: Audio Mostly 2020, pp. 1–8. ACM, New York (2020). https://doi.org/10.1145/3411109.3411110

Lopez, M., et al.: Designing for Replayability: Mechanics and Motivations. In: Proceedings of the 2021 ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '21), pp. 1–14. ACM, New York (2021). https://doi.org/10.1145/3411764.3445345

Harris, R., et al.: Player Modeling for Adaptive Tutorials in Strategy Games. In: AI for Game Designers, pp. 88–105. Springer, Cham (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-09315-4_6

Brown, T., et al.: Level Design Patterns for First-Person Shooter Arenas. In: Game Dynamics: Best Practices in Procedural and Dynamic Game Content Generation, pp. 201–218. Springer, Cham (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-25043-1_12

Clarke, D., et al.: The Evolution of Game Genres and Their Core Mechanics. In: Proceedings of the 2024 International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games (FDG '24), pp. 1–11. ACM, New York (2024). https://doi.org/10.1145/3649921.3650002

Evans, P., et al.: Game Mechanics and Emotional Response. In: Emotion in Games: Theory and Praxis, pp. 67–82. Springer, Cham (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-53429-0_5

Foster, N., et al.: Accessibility in Game Mechanics: A Design Framework. In: Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction, pp. 311–325. Springer, Cham (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05039-8_22

Hall, S., et al.: Mechanics of Deception in Stealth Games. In: Proceedings of the 2020 ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '20), pp. 1–13. ACM, New York (2020). https://doi.org/10.1145/3313831.3376190

Patel, R., et al.: A Comparative Analysis of Progression Systems in Western and Eastern RPGs. In: Cross-Cultural Design for Interactive Experiences, pp. 145–160. Springer, Cham (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35939-2_11

Downloads

Published

2026-01-30

How to Cite

Bonilla Carranza, jose luis david, Jose Esteban Hernandez De Leon, J. E. H. D. L., Veronica Camacho Santillan, V. C. S., Erendira Alvarez Tostado Martinez, E. A. T. M., & Erick Jorge Roberto Guerrero Muñoz, E. J. R. G. M. (2026). Lessons Learned from Literature: Best Practices in Designing Mechanics for Different Video Game Genres. ReCIBE, Electronic Journal of Computing, Informatics, Biomedical and Electronics, 14(3), L7–11. https://doi.org/10.32870/recibe.v14i3.478

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 3 (2025): Sep 2025 - Dic 2025

Section

LUDICON

License

Copyright (c) 2026 ReCIBE, electronic journal of Computing, Informatics, Biomedical and Electronics