As a form of entertainment, games are distinct from other forms of media. They allow players to engage with them in ways that are not possible with film, television or books. Whether this is by moving 2D blocks in Tetris or inhabiting a fully immersive, persistent world like Fortnite, the act of playing a game requires players to interact with it and this interaction is what distinguishes a video game from other media.
However, the definition of a game is elusive as different games have varying rules and tools that can differ from one another. As a result, the definition of a game can be subjective and change over time. This is not a problem as it allows for variation within the genre but it also means that each new game must be defined as a unique entity.
This has been the source of much debate, with several scholars offering up their own takes on what a game is. For example, Bogost defines a game as an activity that requires participants to agree and abide by the rules of the game in order to succeed. These rules include a set of objectives, time-keeping system, rights and responsibilities of the participants, scoring techniques, preset boundaries, and each player’s goals. Rules are a key characteristic of a game as they define the integrity of gameplay. Generally, breaking the rules will make the original end goal unattainable.
Other scholars have taken a more holistic approach to the definition of a game. Roger Caillois has described games as fun, separate and uncertain activities characterized by rules that serve to create the magic circle of play. Sid Meir has a similar take, describing games as a series of interesting choices. Tracey Fullerton builds on Burgun’s definition and describes games as closed formal systems that are structured in conflict with other players, resulting in unequal outcomes for parties.
The question of what a game is continues to be debated, and it is important that the people who develop games understand that the definition is not fixed but is constantly changing. This helps them to ensure that they are creating the kind of game that people want to play. It also enables them to design the kinds of games that will work in specific cultural and historical contexts for specific purposes.
It is important for those outside of the industry to understand this, as well. Otherwise, they may end up designing the kind of game that they personally enjoy but that will fail to attract a market for various reasons. This has happened before, with many developers (both independent and major studios) spending significant resources to develop a title that was not able to succeed commercially.
The challenge of defining a game is not an easy task, but it is a necessary one for those who develop games. As the gaming industry becomes more diverse, it is vital that there is a broad understanding of what makes a game. This will help to prevent a situation where the industry is dominated by titles designed specifically for a small audience and which may not succeed in other markets.