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November 2, 2025 8 mins

Designing the Core Dynamics

Today, we’re diving deep into a concept that sits right at the heart of game design: core dynamics. What makes a game engaging? Why do some games pull us in and keep us coming back? It’s not just the artwork or the theme. It's not even the mechanics alone. It’s something deeper. It’s the dynamic that drives player action, interaction, and emotion. Today’s episode is all about identifying, designing, and testing core dynamics. Whether you're a designer, educator, or just a curious player, understanding this middle layer of gameplay can change how you look at games forever. 

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Get the full transcript and references for this episode here: https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/150

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