The Definition of a Game
A game is a structured form of play usually undertaken for entertainment or fun, and often used as an educational tool. Games are different from work, which is typically carried out for remuneration, and art, which tends to express aesthetic or ideological elements.
A wide range of activities can be considered to be games, ranging from sports and board games like Monopoly and chess to computer games and virtual worlds such as World of Warcraft. They may be played alone or in teams, for competition, achievement, or a combination of both. They can also be used for social interaction or to practice skills, and they are sometimes viewed as a form of exercise or simulation.
The definition of a game is a crucial issue in the field of game studies, because it determines what sorts of games are studied and how. For example, some researchers might argue that a video game is not a game because it is not interactive, while others might define a game as an electronic, digitally-based activity requiring a player and a machine with an electronic visual display.
Ultimately, the definition of a game will depend on the individual researcher, and it is important to take previous research into account when developing a definition. This is particularly important in the field of game studies, where a poorly-defined definition can limit the scope of future research and cause confusion amongst practitioners.
In a recent article, Yang outlined a framework for how historians can approach the problem of defining games, and suggested that it is useful to answer questions such as “what are games?”, “where do they exist in relation to the quotidian?”, and “what sorts of phenomena are relevant for games?”
One of the most challenging aspects of identifying what are games is that there is a lot of variation. Some games are clearly defined, such as football and chess. Others are less obvious, such as solitaire games and some forms of video gaming.
This variety is partly due to the fact that there are many reasons why people play games. Some people play games for competitive purposes, for the thrill of winning, and this can be compared to spectator sports. Other people play to relieve boredom or anxiety, and this can be compared to reading or watching movies. Finally, some people play to escape from their daily lives, and this can be compared to escapism in general.
The question of what is a game will likely continue to be debated for some time to come, but there are some guidelines that can help with the process. Firstly, it is helpful to take into account the motivations of the players involved in the game: VandenBerghe suggests that gamers look for games that satisfy five qualities, or domains. These include novelty, stimulation, harmony, and threat. Those who are seeking novelty will enjoy games that feature a wide variety of mechanics, while those who seek stimulation will prefer games that provide constant change. Those who want to harmonize with other players will be drawn to games that promote teamwork, and those who are prone to feeling bad emotions will prefer games that elicit fear or danger.