Game mechanics are metaphoric structures defining actions, objects and their relationships within the gameplay.

Game mechanics are related to, but separate from, rules of games, user interfaces, tactics and strategies, and genres.

Intrinsic game mechanics in learning games use the same metaphors that define concepts the players are studying. For example, one of the grounding metaphors for “equation” is “balance.” Intrinsic games for learning equations that are based on balance game mechanics can involve characters piling weights on a balance scale, walking along a fulcrum, or adding weights and balloons to a dirigible. Each of these mechanics can be used in different game genres, such as puzzles, platformers, race games or roleplaying games.

On the other hand, a game where players shoot correct answers to equation problems out of the sky is extrinsic. The game mechanics (choice and shooting) have nothing to do with the topic of the equations, and could be used for anything from matching capitals and countries to learning Latin roots.

There are more discussions and examples specific to mathematics at the Math Game Design group: http://mathfuture.wikispaces.com/GameGroup

Part 2 explains how to make games on the basis of this definition.

Visit Math Future Game Design Group for more ideas and discussions.