Production

Mechanism · I – Resource & Value Creation immediate · irreversible · open · solo

Production generates new value from existing inputs: resources, materials or conditions are brought together and turned into new outputs via a transformation rule.

Design question – How does your game generate new value from existing inputs? Which inputs must come together for something new to emerge?

Reference example – Catan: on the matching roll the hexes yield resources, which turn into roads and cities. Minecraft: wood becomes planks, planks become tools. Factorio: factories continuously turn ore into plates and components. Minecraft (Crafting) · Wingspan (Resource Engine) · Agricola (Worker Action)

Structural pattern

Input -> transformation -> output: existing inputs (raw materials) are turned into new outputs (products) via a processing rule.

Regulated in permitting mode (which inputs may be processed into which output), constraining mode (production capacity per time unit; prerequisites such as building, level, tool) and conditioning mode (when production happens: active, automatic or triggered). In a game, the input-output ratio and the capacity become specifications.

Design parameters

• Input complexity – a single resource ↔ many different inputs
• Transformation – deterministic ↔ random
• Yield curve – constant ↔ progressive/regressive
• Trigger – agent action ↔ automatic per round
• Bottleneck – input-limited ↔ time-/capacity-limited
• Visibility – recipes known ↔ recipes hidden

Related Mechanisms

• Conversion (MEC-03) – Frequently combined: process outputs further.
• Accumulation (MEC-02) – Frequently combined: accumulate outputs.
• Construction (MEC-05) – Frequently combined: build a production chain.
• Schedule (MEC-14) – Frequently combined: production rhythm.

Ludic Organisational Structures

Production Chain · Ecosystem · Survival System (core) · Market · Commons (dynamic)