Many who play games, study them or develop them have struggled to define game in a way that does not leave out activities that are clearly games (so that the definition is too narrow) or accept activities that are clearly not games (so that the definition is too broad). Rather than try to make a definitive list of what defines a game or a game genre, this article considers a more general approach based on four key characteristics: rules, player choice and interaction.
The first characteristic is that games have a set of rules and formal systems which create constraints and restraints on the actions of players. These are necessary to provide the players with the opportunity to achieve their end goals in the game and to move along the path of play. While it is possible that these constraints and structures may not be as limiting as a person might think, they nevertheless serve to create a game and to support the ability of players to progress through it.
Another critical feature of games is that they have a defined level of challenge and difficulty, often referred to as the “fun factor”. While many people might enjoy playing simple, non-competitive games such as Connect Four or Tic Tac Toe, most of us would not describe them as fun. Games that are considered fun usually involve some degree of challenge or risk, a sense of accomplishment at successfully completing the game and the opportunity to interact with others.
In addition to these key features, games also allow players to choose their own course of action in a way that is free from the influence of others or the expectations of other players. This freedom of choice, or player agency, is crucial in providing the opportunity for experiential learning to occur in a self-directed manner. This also provides a foundation for the development of social skills and empathy.
Interaction is a fundamental part of all games and can take place between the players; between the game and the players; or between the game and the environment. Depending on the game, this can be both physical and mental and can include strategic thinking, tactical decisions, discussions, debates and more. This type of interaction is a fundamental element of all games and helps to create the tension, conflict and drama that makes them so compelling.
In addition to being a form of entertainment, some games also help to develop practical skills, offer an educational simulation or otherwise perform a psychological role. This wide variety of applications makes the game concept a very challenging one to define. In the past, scholars have used the words art if the game is created for its own beauty and entertainment if it is made to earn money. However, more recently, the word has been used to refer to any kind of activity that involves creative expression or interaction, whether it is a board game, a sport, a computer game, a video game or even an act of violence.