Whether we’re playing video games with our friends, trying to outwit the hordes of undead in a survival horror game, or simply enjoying time with a mobile phone game, many activities are considered to be games. The definition of game can vary greatly and its significance lies in the various ways that it’s applied to different contexts. It’s important to note that different contexts require a slightly different interpretation of the concept of game, but that the fundamental characteristics remain similar across these applications.
The most prominent and popular definition of game is based on mechanics, objectives, and rules. This is due to the fact that these aspects are some of the most defining elements of game design. However, there are other elements that are equally important in the overall understanding of the concept of game. These include:
A major characteristic of games that is often overlooked is the magic circle of play. This is a limiting space where players’ actions, abilities, intentions, and motives are not judged in the same way that they would be in real life. This is indicated by Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman who describe this liminal space as a game world in which social norms and rules are changed, allowing for a certain amount of flexibility when it comes to the boundaries of game ethics and responsibilities.
Another important aspect that is often cited when describing the meaning of games is their purpose. This is because many activities are considered to be games if they are aimed at achieving goals that are not necessarily practical or necessary in the real world. This is also reflected by the ludological agreement that all games have which indicates that games are meant to be played in an inefficient manner compared to a more efficient means of achieving a goal.
Games are also defined by their ability to provide feedback to players on their actions. This can be done through several methods including visual and audio feedback. These feedbacks can be generated by a variety of input devices including joysticks, controllers, keyboards, or touchpads. They can then be displayed on a variety of output devices including television sets, computer monitors, flat-panel displays on handheld device screens, and virtual reality headsets.
In terms of the application of these characteristics to different contexts, they can be broken down into categories based on the intention of the designer. For example, a digital game may be used to create an immersive environment for a specific purpose while a board or card game is designed to promote social interactions among players. Other examples could include a game that helps a player learn or train new skills.