What is a game?

Today, games are considered the most popular medium of new media. However, we have to ask, what really is a game? Jane McGongial 's 'Reality is Broken' takes a in depth look into what a game really is. Ask yourself, do you really know what a game is? Our typical definition is a activity we participate in for amusement. Jane McGongial  sees a game as four traits; goals, rules, feedback system and voluntary participation.(McGongial  2011: 21) McGongial  believes a game is more than a technology entertainment for gamers instead game producers have created a unique structure for how we experience the game. (McGongial  2011:20-21)

As we know, each game has a goal. It can be to simply collect a item or complete the game story. Sports game have a goal, to score as many goals as possible to defeat the opposite team. Board games such as monopoly, goal is to make as much money as possible forcing other players to become bankrupt.  McGongial  believes "the goal provides players with a sense of purpose" (McGongial 2011: 21)

Games have a set of rules which act as limitations to what the gamer can do to achieve the goal. Rules "unleash creativity and foster strategic thinking" (McGongial  2011:21) Rules set the boundaries of activities which the player can do within the game. A game simulates the brain into thinking of new ways of achieving the goal.(McGongial  2011:21)

Within games the gamer is constantly faced with feedback which they enjoy. Each level or phrase gives us feedback via points, scores or level bars. Without feedback we would be lost within the game. "feedback serves as a promise to the players that the goal is definitely achievable, and it provides motivation to keep playing" (McGongial  2011: 21)

Finally, to play the game the gamer needs to accept the goals, rules and feedback. Through this multiplayer games will be enjoyable and stress free. "a game at will ensures that intentionally stressful and challenging work is experienced as safe and pleasurable activity" (McGongial  2011:21)

Bibliography

McGongial, J (2011) Reality is Broken: WHy Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World, Penguin Press HPC