What is "Multi Loop"?

In game design, specifically in the subfield of interplay and counter mechanics analysis, a multi loop is a game system that has multiple interplay loops comprised of the most relevant mechanics of the game.

An interplay loop is a set of two or more entities, like items, weapons, attributes, attacks or characters, which are counter of each other, that is, each one provides an advantage over another (or maybe all the others). If these mechanics can be grouped into interplay loops depending on how they counter each other, these subgroups form their own interplay loops which may or may not be related. Whenever a game has more than one interplay loop, the system is regarded as a multi loop.

Games like "rock-paper-scissors" contain a basic interplay loop where all of the mechanics and interactions are counter of another and they are all interrelated. Comparatively, games with much more depth and complexity contain multi loops, with many mechanics that can be grouped into interplay loops.

Fighting games like Mortal Kombat generally are considered as multi loop systems, where actions, attacks or mechanics are grouped into disjoint sets by the relation "A counters B". One group can be the triad "Attack-Grab-Block", because an attack wins over a grab, which wins over blocking, which at the same time counters an attack. Another group is formed by "Projectiles-Teleports-Projectile parries", as projectiles can counter teleports, which at the same time counter projectile parries, that counter projectiles.