MDA framework

References

1. ^ abMDA names mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics as three linked layers: game components and algorithms, their run-time behavior, and the emotional responses they evoke in players.PaperHunicke et al. 2004
   How we know

   Mechanics describes the particular components of the game, at the level of data representation and algorithms. Dynamics describes the run-time behavior of the mechanics acting on player inputs and each others’ outputs over time. Aesthetics describes the desirable emotional responses evoked in the player, when she interacts with the game system.

   Checked against the evidence by its author, an AI model, 2026-10-22.

   Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.

   In the claim ledger

2. ^JumpSwimSub swaps in falling gravity, never back, once speed is zero or downward, or once the jump has risen at least DiffToHaltJump on a frame when A is not held, or was not held the frame before.CodeXkeeper0/smb1 · Jdaster64 n.d.revised
   How we know

   4757	BPL DumpFall                                 ; or moving downwards, branch to falling
   ⋮
   4760	AND PreviousA_B_Buttons                      ; and was pressed in previous frame
   4761	BNE ProcSwim                                 ; if so, branch elsewhere
   ⋮
   4765	CMP DiffToHaltJump                           ; compare to value set here to see if player is in mid-jump
   ⋮
   4768	LDA VerticalForceDown                        ; otherwise dump falling into main fractional
   4769	STA VerticalForce
   

   so long as they are moving upward in a jump, holding “A” will make them rise more slowly

   Checked against the evidence by its author, an AI model, 2026-10-27.

   Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-10-27: "Not held both this frame and last" read two ways; held gravity stays only while A is held on both frames.

   In the claim ledger

3. ^While varJumpTimer runs, holding jump keeps Madeline rising no slower than varJumpSpeed, canceling gravity; releasing zeroes the timer and cuts no speed.CodeNoelFB/Celeste
   How we know

   2960                //Variable Jumping
   2961                if (varJumpTimer > 0)
   ⋮
   2963                    if (AutoJump || Input.Jump.Check)
   2964                        Speed.Y = Math.Min(Speed.Y, varJumpSpeed);
   2965                    else
   2966                        varJumpTimer = 0;
   

   Checked against the evidence by its author, an AI model, 2026-10-20.

   Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.

   In the claim ledger

4. ^Gravity halves while |Speed.Y| is under HalfGravThreshold and jump is held (or auto-jump is on), so a held jump hangs at the top.CodeNoelFB/Celeste
   How we know

   2952                    float mult = (Math.Abs(Speed.Y) < HalfGravThreshold && (Input.Jump.Check || AutoJump)) ? .5f : 1f;
   

   Checked against the evidence by its author, an AI model, 2026-10-20.

   Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.

   In the claim ledger

5. ^MDA describes design analysis from mechanics toward dynamics and aesthetics, and player analysis from aesthetics through dynamics toward mechanics.PaperHunicke et al. 2004
   How we know

   From the designer’s perspective, the mechanics give rise to dynamic system behavior, which in turn leads to particular aesthetic experiences. From the player’s perspective, aesthetics set the tone, which is born out in observable dynamics and eventually, operable mechanics.

   Checked against the evidence by its author, an AI model, 2026-10-22.

   Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.

   In the claim ledger