A game is an activity involving the pursuit of goals, challenges, and outcomes for different kinds of rewards. Games can be structured and intentional or improvised and free-form, but in any case they are activities that have a purpose. Games may be categorized as either board or tabletop games, video games, or mobile games. However, the definition of game is more than simply categorizing games into a certain type or medium; it is also about understanding the value of games in order to create and play them well.
While many people might agree on the basic structure and nature of games, there are a number of nuances and controversies about what is and isn’t a game. This is especially true for new genres of video games or highly successful titles that are not immediately recognizable as games by the general public. For example, the ubiquity of World of Warcraft has led to some confusion about whether this is actually a game at all (see Karhulahti 2013).
The most important feature for the definition of game is that it must involve players pursuing different objectives or challenges within the magic circle of gameplay. This is what distinguishes games from other forms of entertainment and leisure activities. Often, these objectives or challenges involve overcoming different obstacles, but they do not necessarily require a high degree of skill or luck. Instead, meeting the aims of a game usually requires a certain amount of effort, but it rarely involves complex rules or a large investment of time or resources.
Another aspect of the definition of game is that it must be a voluntary activity. This means that the participants must choose to play the game and must consent to the terms and conditions of the game. While this does not mean that the player cannot opt to stop playing, it does imply that players must be willing to accept the game’s rules and its consequences in order to play it successfully.
The last aspect of the definition of game is that it should involve a sense of realism. This is a crucial feature in defining games because it allows players to feel a connection with the characters, world, and objectives of the game. For this reason, games often include thematic elements and narrative content.
The definition of game is a fundamental concept for the study of gaming. It is the core of what separates games from other forms of entertainment and leisure, and it allows us to understand the unique qualities of this medium. Despite some debate, there are a number of useful definitions for games that fit specific use cases and take into account previously published work. To be most effective, a useful game definition should be in dialogue with other academic works on games. In this way, it can serve as a tool for researchers and practitioners to make informed decisions about the design and use of games.