Matching

Mechanism · X – Differentiation & Pattern immediate · irreversible / conditional · open · solo / competitive

Matching recognizes patterns, forms combinations and establishes mappings: individual elements are ordered into a set, pattern or combo – the game rewards recognizing connections.

Design question – How are patterns recognized and combinations formed in your game – and how do you reward it?

Reference example – Memory: uncover two matching cards and keep them. Candy Crush Saga: three of a kind in a row disappear, four or more create special candies. Dominoes: only matching numbers may be placed together. Jaipur (Set Collection) · Azul (Pattern Building) · Gizmos (Chaining/Combo)

Structural pattern

Input -> transformation -> output: individual elements (cards, colours, shapes) become an ordered combination (set, pattern, combo) via pattern recognition and formation (assembling).

Regulated in permitting mode (put elements together into an arrangement: identical, different, as a sequence, spatial), constraining mode (size of the arrangement; time window; only available elements) and conditioning mode (a complete arrangement is rewarded, an incomplete one partly scored). In a game, size and values become specifications.

Design parameters

• Pattern type – sameness ↔ logical
• Complexity – simple (pairs) ↔ multidimensional (colour + shape + number)
• Recognition – obvious ↔ emergent
• Scoring – binary (complete/not) ↔ progressive (bigger = more valuable)
• Competition – exclusive (only one can form the set) ↔ parallel
• Combinatorics – single-stage ↔ chainable (combo potential)

Related Mechanisms

• Scoring (MEC-09) – Frequently combined: score patterns.
• Accumulation (MEC-02) – Frequently combined: collect elements.
• Placement (MEC-10) – Frequently combined: form patterns spatially.
• Selection (MEC-07) – Frequently combined: select elements for the pattern.

Ludic Organisational Structures

Faction System · Evolution / Adaptation · Crafting / Recipe System (core) · Ecosystem · Exploration System (dynamic)