Playstates Theory Definition – Version 2.0 (Dec/19)

I’ve updated and enhanced my Playstates Definition below. My plan is to continue to develop this theory and eventually establish a website dedicated to demonstrating how the theory works.

Playstates is a theory that explains how different types of play coexist, combine together, and are recursive. The different types of play are each defined by a singular core trait that acts as a both a distinguishing and complementing characteristic. At present there are five different kinds or states of play.

• Toygrounds
• Sign-Plays
• Puzzles
• Games
• Sports

Each of the five Playstates can be defined as “The Play of …” which represents the core characteristic of that Playstate. These are as follows:

• Sign-Plays – The Play of Meaning.
  1. Signals  – signs that require constant encoding and decoding and interpretation
  2. Symbols – signs that are more static and require subtle interpretation
  3. Role-Plays – using our behavior to communicate and experience meaning

• Toygrounds – The Play of Exploration.
  1. Toys – objects that are played with freely and with transient rules
  2. Playgrounds – spaces that are played with freely and with transient rules

• Puzzles – The Play of Matching.
  1. Symbols – letters or numbers as basis for matches
  2. Shapes – objects that represent non-language as basis for matches
  3. Colors – spectrum of light as basis for matches
  4. Sounds – range of pitch and duration as basis for matches
  5. Patterns – repeating using memory
  6. Maths – using deduction to solve incomplete logic

• Games – The Play of Measurement.
  1. Time – race against the clock
  2. Space – movement between locations
  3. Counting– measuring tokens, traits, and points
  4. Achievements – an accumulation of measurables

• Sports – The Play of Competition.
  1. Pick-up – a single, non-cumulative match
  2. Series – win the majority of matches in a set
  3. Tournament – a changeable collection of competitors
  4. League – an exclusive collection of competitors
  5. Pan-Sport – competing via non-match outcomes