Logo Logo
  • About
    • Review Index
  • Playstates
  • Accented
    • Jets Flight Control
  • The Other
    • Link Bank
    • Ideas/Images Bank

Response to Defining Play, Game, and Gaming

June 11, 2017 by Chris Billows in Hobby Heedings, Playstates Theory tags: Game Philosophy, Playstates

Over at DavidMullich.com I shared a couple of comments relating to his definitions on Games.


#1

Hi David!

I appreciate your definition “a playful activity with rules and goals.” but do think it does not go deep enough.

A jigsaw puzzle has rules and a goal, but its not a game (which is why its called a puzzle). A role-playing game also has a rules and goals, but its not a game like chess is.

I’ve come up with a definition to games that satisfies my mind and I would like to share it.

“Games are about the Play of Measurement”. The measurement can be physics (3D shooters), grid (board games), tractable (CRPGs), etc.

I’ve included a link to my theory blog post so would welcome your thoughts.

Best regards,

Chris


#2

I agree with you. A Jigsaw puzzle is not a game, but could be made a game by adding a time limit (complete the puzzle in x amount of time). I believe you would say that this is an example of conflict (race vs the clock) while I would see it as a Puzzle made into a Game by the addition of the Play of Measurement (time being the measurable).

Some of the most popular games (The Sims, Sim City) have almost no conflict but are wonderful to play. Also Conway’s Game of Life is another example of how playful measurement makes it a Game with no conflict.

 

About The Author: Chris Billows

Chris Billows is a knowledge seeker who believes in social responsibility, a health care professional, and a business dabbler. The Journals of Doc Surge is his personal blog. Doc Surge (a cool synonym for Billows) is inspired by Doc Brass from the Planetary Comic series who in turn was inspired by the 1930s pulp hero Doc Savage.
The Immersion Accords
Why Games Are About Play of Measurement

1 Comments:

Leave a Comment! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts
  • The Axiom of Player Development
  • Happy New Year to Thee in 2023
  • GameDev Skills: Year One
  • The Ascenturian Contemplation Game
  • New Energy, Names, and Websites
Recent Comments
  • Thoughts on Fundamentals (Time / Endings) – Heropath on Why Games Are About Play of Measurement
  • Thoughts on Fundamentals (Time / Endings) – Heropath on Response to Defining Play, Game, and Gaming
  • Thoughts on Fundamentals (Time / Endings) – Heropath on When Play Leads to Games and Sports
  • Chris Billows on The Ascenturian Contemplation Game
  • Chris on The Ascenturian Contemplation Game
Categories
  • Business Beller
  • Hobby Heedings
  • Jets Flight Control
  • Mental Mischief
  • Playstates Theory
  • Political Ponderings
  • Republic of Bloggers
  • Spirit Speculations
204-430-9956
© Chris Billows. All Rights Reserved.