What Makes a Game?

A game is a structured type of play, typically undertaken for entertainment or fun and often performed by individuals or groups. Games can be playful, competitive, or non-competitive and can also perform a wide variety of educational, simulational, or psychological roles. In addition, some games are considered art (such as sculpture or painting) if made for their own beauty and entertainment value, while others, like movies and books, are regarded as non-interactive forms of entertainment.

Attempts to define what defines a game are often controversial. A game is generally defined as a mode of interaction between a player and a machine with an electronic visual display, mediated by a meaningful fictional context. A video game is a specific instance of this definition, involving a graphical representation of a virtual world, a simulated character, and an emotional attachment between the player and the characters they play (Bergonse 2017).

There are many different definitions for what makes a game, and most of them involve some kind of set of rules. Some of these are more strict than others. For example, McGonigal (2011) argues that a game must have a set of clear and unchallenging rules that allow players to explore “previously uncharted possibility spaces” while being protected from unfairness. Other definitions focus on the need to have a system of points, rewards, and incentives that motivate players and help them achieve their goals. Finally, some definitions emphasize the importance of a meaningful narrative or story, and others consider the social dimension of the gameplay (e.g., how the game encourages cooperation or competition).

In terms of game design, it’s tempting to design the exact game you want to play, especially if that game is already popular and well-received. However, this approach can also lead to over-simplified solutions that fail to take into account the unique needs and challenges of a particular game genre or audience.

One of the most important things to remember when making a game is that success doesn’t always come easy. As recent waves of layoffs have shown, the gaming industry can be a cruel mistress who can make or break a development studio. Even if you have a great idea, do your research, create compelling artwork and design compelling mechanics, it’s possible that you won’t be able to sell your game.

For this reason, it’s important to be realistic about the challenges involved in making a game before starting work. A successful game requires a huge amount of time, money, and energy to make. To save time and money, you may need to use placeholder assets that are replaced later on with high-quality versions. This is sometimes known as a vertical slice, and it’s an invaluable tool for proving your concept to potential investors or studios. A vertical slice usually lasts anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour, and it is often used in presentations and pitches. For some games, this is the only chance they have to get noticed and become a reality.