A game is an activity characterized by rules and a conflict between opposing forces. Often games involve interaction between players, but they can also be enjoyed by spectators. Game can be a form of entertainment or exercise, and many games are educational.
There are many different types of games, from card games to board games to video games. Each of these has a specific set of rules and props that make it unique. However, the underlying structure of the game is the same. This article explores the classic game model, which defines six key features that are necessary for a game to be considered a game:
While it may seem that there is a large amount of improvisation that goes into games, most of them actually have a very structured design. This allows for a certain amount of flexibility within the structure, but it also prevents a game from being so chaotic that it is no longer fun to play.
It is the interactivity between the player and the game that makes a game fun to play. This interaction usually involves a conflict, although some games are not inherently conflictual. The underlying conflict may be between the player and another player, the player and the environment or the player and their own self. The involvement of the player tends to result in a strong attachment to the outcome of the game.
This attachment is usually not just about winning, but rather the act of playing the game itself. The enjoyment of the game can be so strong that the player is willing to put a great deal of effort into it, even when this will not necessarily lead to success. This is also known as “playing for the sake of it” or just plain play.
Almost all games have some level of interactivity. This can be as simple as a pawn on a board or a piece of paper, but it is more complex in some games, such as chess. The interaction can be as simple as the player’s choice of move, or as complicated as a computer program that determines the best strategy for a particular situation.
The earliest game development stages include writing the rules and creating the visual and audio assets. The final product is then programmed using a programming language, and tested on a variety of platforms to ensure it works correctly. Some games are made by large studios, while others can be developed by individual developers. Once the program is working correctly, it is considered an alpha release.