A game is a recreational activity that uses some combination of skill, strategy, and luck. Games range from the simple tug of war to complex computer or board games such as chess. Game theory focuses on the optimal strategies for an interested party in a game. Unlike art, which is usually intended for aesthetic enjoyment, or entertainment, which is intended to amuse, games are often designed for a specific purpose and serve educational, simulational, or psychological functions.
Historically, people have played games for entertainment and to develop practical skills or exercise. The development of modern video games has allowed new kinds of play, including virtual worlds and immersive multiplayer experiences. These developments challenge established notions of game. Some scholars argue that video games are a unique form of artwork, while others contend that they do not differ from traditional forms of entertainment and have no artistic value.
The word game comes from the Latin word for “play” and has multiple synonyms: sport, jest, amusement, and play. Laughter is a common result of game play, and the term may also be used to describe an intentionally playful act or behavior.
Game studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the social, cultural, and historical context of games. It has emerged to provide a critical lens through which to understand the complex nature of games and game play, including their potential for positive effects on society.
The definition of a game has changed throughout the centuries, but one constant has been that it is an activity that provides amusement for players and spectators. Some games require a high degree of skill, while others are based on chance and are not competitive. Some games are based on a particular rule set, such as the rules of tennis, while others are based on a particular genre, such as sports or board games.
Some academics believe that the medium of video games enables an interaction between the producer and end-user that is not available in other media, such as film or television. They suggest that this interaction is what defines video games as a new kind of artwork and culture.
In addition to creating the game world, game designers must consider a wide variety of issues when designing a video game, including how a game is played, what goals it is meant to achieve, and the overall user experience. In order to meet these challenges, the design of a video game must be based on research and testing.
A video game can take anywhere from 1 to 4 years to complete the production phase, which is when it begins to really come into its own as a work of art. During this time the story is refined, assets (characters, creatures, environments and props) are created, the rules of play are tested and refined and code is written. A game designer must make conscious decisions about all aspects of the design, from initial concept through final product.