Game is an activity that involves a fictional context and rules to engage players in a purposeful way. Games are often viewed as entertainment but can also have many other purposes such as training, education and development or even be a form of art.
The definition of game is a topic of debate in the field of game studies as it is constantly changing and evolving with new games and the ways we play them. A lot of this is due to the ever-changing nature and scope of applied games which can be interpreted in a number of different ways depending on the context, goal or purpose they are being played for.
A lot of the debates and discussions surrounding the definition of game have been a result of the differences between a game designer’s approach and the meaning and intent that is embodied in a particular game or game type. This is most apparent in the case of a recent lawsuit where Apple and Epic Games were arguing over whether Fortnite is a game or not.
In some instances, the concept of game can be interpreted as an artistic medium which can express concepts such as magic, discovery, innovation and materialization of ideas. In this format, the goal of a game is not necessarily to win or lose but rather to experience the creative process in order to explore and evolve its design.
One of the most common elements in game design is the inclusion of goals and challenges which provide players with structure and direction for attainment. These goals can be in a variety of forms such as accumulating points, collecting tokens and forming synergies or relationships between different game elements. The inclusion of these goals and challenges allows players to have a purpose for gameplay which can be highly addictive for most players.
Game designers use a variety of tools in the pre-production phase to prototype and experiment with various environments, characters, control schemes and other game components. This can include the use of storyboards, concept art, interface mockups and other visual aids. Not all of these prototypes and concepts make it into a final product but this practice allows designers to test the boundaries of the gaming experience to see how far they can push the concept of what a game is or can be.
Jesse Schelle takes a slightly different approach to game design and definition in that he views games as problem-solving activities which are approached with a playful attitude. This differs from Caillois in that it does not necessarily require an enjoyment of the game play but rather a willingness to take on the challenge of a game and overcome its obstacles.
While many of the different definitions for game are highly subjective and based on personal interpretation, there are certain criteria that most of them tend to share. These criteria include the element of choice and decision making, a sense of agency, and an adherence to a set of rules. These criteria are important to understanding the mechanics and psychology of how a game is designed and implemented as well as the overall experience of playing it.