The Game Definition Game

Abstract

In this article, over 60 definitions of games since the 1930s are reviewed in order to pinpoint what those definitions agree on and, more importantly, what they disagree on. This article is conceived of as a tool game scholars can use to better position themselves in regard to the concept of ''game'' by working out their answers to the 10 questions regarding game definition presented in here.

Game Development for Computer Science Education

“…Since the 1930s, philosophers and game scholars have proposed more than 60 definitions across multiple contexts [123]. However, the Wittgensteinian approach endorsed by Arjoranta [15] deviates from more essentialist positions to a position that is more pragmatic, framing definitions to deliberately focus on purpose, exclusion, and justification for a particular context and allowing them to be modified as practical needs and contexts change.…”

JCAVE: A 3D Interactive Game to Assist Home Physiotherapy Rehabilitation

“…The use of new technology such as game produces a significant improvement in healthcare. Games are used around the world, and new ideas and technical information are discovered every year; thus, games have a variety of definitions and genres [1], [2]. The oldest definition is from 1930.…”

“…However, all of the definitions agree that a game is a set of rules and includes one or more players. One definition is as follows: "An interactive structure of endogenous meaning that requires players to struggle toward a goal" [1]. Moreover, the definition of a video game is the following: "X is a videogame if it is an artifact in a visual digital medium, is intended as an object of entertainment, and is intended to provide such entertainment through the employment of one or both of the following modes of engagement: rules and objective gameplay or interactive fiction" [2].…”

“…Game genres based on [1] are divided into three sections. The first section is general, in which all entertainment, educational, experimental, research, and operational types of games belong.…”

The Form of Game Formalism

“…The formal cause, on the other hand, refers to the very essence of the game, which is even less tangible and straightforward to define. The essence of The Sims might very well be defined in relation to any game definition, of which there are many (see, e.g., Stenros, 2017, for a comprehensive overview). As Stenros (2017) points out, there are disagreements about what can be considered the defining characteristics of games.…”