Skill

Unlike most of the other mechanics, this game mechanic focuses on the player. There are thousands of different skills but when talking about game design skills can be divided into three main categories;


 * Physical Skills
 * Mental Skills
 * Social Skills

When talking of skills as a game mechanic one is normally referring to real skills that a player should have when playing the game.

Physical Skills
Includes things like;


 * Strength
 * Dexterity
 * Coordination
 * Physical Endurance
 * Effectively manipulating a game controller
 * Many videogames also require a broader range of physical skills from players. (Virtual Skill)

Mental Skills
It is very rare that a game doesn't include having some type of mental skill involved when playing it.

Refers to skills like;


 * Memory
 * Observation
 * Puzzle Solving
 * Decision Making

Social Skills
Mainly relies on how good the player is at reading others emotions and at masking their own.

Examples;


 * Reading an opponent
 * Fooling an opponent
 * Coordinating with teammates

Virtual Skills

 * A skill a player is pretending to have
 * The skill of the character that the player controls, not of the person holding the controller.