The Definition of Games

The definition of games is a broad one: a video game is an interactive activity, generally involving the player in a physical or mental challenge. The goal of a game can vary widely, and some games may even serve as a form of exercise. The rules of a game, which define the way players interact with one another, may also be called key elements. In the top row of the figure above, you can see pieces from various games, including chess pawns, Monopoly hotels, and jacks. At the bottom, checkers pieces are shown.

Other definitions differ from these, ranging from games that involve money to those that do not. While Crawford’s definition focuses on games for entertainment, other definitions recognize that games do not necessarily require money. For example, Greg Costikyan defines a game as an art form, in which players manage resources using game tokens. In this case, it can be difficult to distinguish between a game and a work of art, but many games fall within this category.

Video games, or “games as a service”, require an even greater level of user engagement. Developers of such games are required to notify gamers of new content and implement new features. Since the cycle for new content for a game is much faster, the management of big updates is challenging. One way to reduce the risk of major game malfunctions is to create physical copies of the game. The game developers will be more likely to update their games if they can recoup their initial investment.