Game is a broad term that covers everything from competitive sports and board games to jigsaw puzzles, lawn darts and video games. It also refers to many different types of activities, from informal improvisational contests such as tug of war to formal competitions such as association football and chess. Some games are pure entertainment and fun, others provide training in skills and talent development and still others are considered art or even form part of a religious ritual.
A game is an activity characterized by certain rules that result in an end in which the participants compete for an objective or goals. The objective of a game can be met by skill, strategy or luck and may require only a small amount of effort to complete. Some games have no winner or loser, such as a tug of war or a recitation of poetry, and are simply enjoyable to participate in. Others are based on an intricate and complex set of rules, and can be analysed formally using mathematical game theory. Examples of these include chess, poker and horse racing.
Games can be played by individuals, groups or even whole societies. They can be as simple as Connect Four or Tic Tac Toe, as complex as chess or Monopoly, and some are so large that they attract millions of dollars in prize money, such as professional basketball. Generally, people play games because they are fun to do and because there are winners and losers, though some people also play them for prestige or to make a living (e.g., professional sports).
Some games are designed to promote cognitive growth by introducing challenges and puzzles that can be solved with skill. Games can help develop spatial reasoning by requiring the player to form mental maps and navigate 3D space, and they can encourage the use of multiple strategies at once. They can also simulate real-world systems such as science, history and economics, and can teach players to anticipate and plan for future situations.
Video games are often developed on desktop computers and consoles, but some are made for mobile devices such as the iPhone and Android phones. These games are usually simpler in nature compared to console and PC games, and can be less expensive or even free, supported through microtransactions or ad revenue.
Other uses of the word “game” include the ability to charm romantic or sexual partners, and the capacity to take risks in business or life: “He’s got a lot of game,” said the recruiter; “I think she’s in the game for a relationship.” The word also has other meanings that are more abstract: wild animals that are hunted and served as food are referred to as game; being “in the game” can refer to being in a particular job or career; and playing video games excessively is sometimes described as being “in the game” (e.g., of a particular social situation). These uses are less likely to be considered by someone attempting to define a game.