Core of a Game

The core of a game refers to its fundamental mechanics or the central activity that keeps players engaged. It’s what players spend the most time doing, such as exploring, solving puzzles, battling, or building. Think of it as the "main idea" or "main loop"—the core interaction that defines the gameplay experience. Identifying the core helps designers ensure this activity is fun, engaging, and well-supported, while additional features (like story or visuals) enhance but don’t replace this primary gameplay element.