Resolution mechanics determine what happens when the outcome of an action is uncertain. They provide the procedures that translate fictional situations into meaningful consequences, answering questions such as whether a character succeeds, what it costs, and how the situation changes.
These mechanics are the engine of moment-to-moment play. They create uncertainty, establish stakes, and shape the rhythm of the game through success, failure, complications, and trade-offs.
Different games use different resolution approaches. Some focus on specific fictional triggers, others on player-chosen methods, skill use, or negotiated outcomes. Regardless of implementation, resolution mechanics exist to transform player decisions into changes within the shared fiction.