The Definition of a Game
A game is an activity that involves rules and the participation of participants. The definition of a game often includes elements of competition, chance and skill, although the precise definition of a game can be open to interpretation. While many games are considered to be a form of entertainment, other activities may also be classified as games, such as spectator sports and jigsaw puzzles.
Games are typically played with some sort of tools, such as a ball, dice, cards, board and pieces, or computer program. These tools are used to play the game and create a specific environment that is referred to as the magic circle of gameplay. Rules are then established within this magical circle that dictate the goals, challenges and outcomes of a particular game. The adherence to and agreement of these rules represent a key aspect of game.
A good game can be fun to play, but a great one tells a captivating story and draws the player in with well-written characters. For example, the classic RPG Chrono Trigger is still praised today for its cast of colorful characters that include a red-haired boy, humanoid robot, sexy Grim Reaper and a cave girl among others. The best games are designed with a consistent escalation of difficulty so players feel challenged and rewarded.
The nature of a game’s magic circle is a key aspect that distinguishes it from other forms of play. Roger Caillois defined the magic circle as a separate and uncertain activity that is fun to participate in, albeit not productive. Other scholars, such as Sid Meir, have taken a more pragmatic approach to this concept of game, defining it as an activity that is engaging, separate and unpredictable.
This definition of a game has been applied in a number of different contexts, including the social sciences (e.g., sport), psychology, education and design. In these contexts, games are a medium for teaching and learning; they are used to model and explore complex systems and situations. They are also a tool for solving problems, and can be used to encourage creativity in students or colleagues.
The popularity of games is rooted in their capacity to inspire people. Whether it is a battle of the undead, an epic adventure or simply a quick test of reflexes, they are a way to take us away from our mundane everyday lives and allow us to experience something new. They can even make us laugh, and in doing so, they bring together communities of gamers that share a love for the same thing. For these reasons, and more, we consider them to be a medium for social change. In the words of the game designer Richard Garfield: “Play changes the world.” And it really does. It can lead to the creation of a better society and an understanding of how we might one day be able to overcome some of our most intractable global challenges.