Playing Games
Playful Humans
Throughout the recorded history of the human species, we find evidence of both games and music. Interestingly enough, when taking part in both these activities we refer to it as playing a game or playing music. This then begs the quest if humans have been playing games for so long, why do we play games?
Why Do We Play Games
In the following video Michael Stevens educator and host of Vsauce, a YouTube channel focusing on science, psychology, mathematics, philosophy and related pop culture topics, shares some insight as to why do humans play games.
Vid 1. VSauce: Why Do We Play GamesLife as a Game
In the Vsauce video it is pointed out that life itself exemplifies the qualities that define a game. Each task (challenge) we take on has a specific goal (objective) to achieve within a given set of constraints (rules). The more complex the task we take on the harder it may become to determine how to achieve our goal within these constraints.
If life is a game why play games at all? Well, games provide a unique opportunity for us to tackle challenges with clarity and simplicity. Unlike real-life goals, which can be complex and multifaceted, games typically feature straightforward objectives that are easy to understand.
This clear goal-oriented nature of games allows people to focus on overcoming specific challenges without the added complexity of dealing with multiple, interconnected life goals. In essence, playing games provides a controlled environment where we can test our skills, develop strategies, and experience a sense of accomplishment as we overcome obstacles, all within a defined framework that's free from the uncertainties and complexities of everyday life.
In this sense, playing games can be seen as a way to "level up" our problem-solving skills, confidence, and overall well-being, all while having fun.
Homo Ludens
The idea that play unto itself is an essential aspect of human life was explored in depth by Dutch historian Johan Huizinga in his 1932 text Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture.
Huizinga, argued that the term "Homo Sapiens" used to describe the human species was inaccurate. Homo Spaines comes from the Latin word human and wise, translating to wise human. Huizinga pointed out that we humans are not as wise as we think, and instead much of wisdom comes from simply playing around. Therefore, he proposed the alternative term of Homo Ludens, which translate to "playful human".
The following quote "The only Difference Between Screwing Around and Science is Writing it Down" was made popular by TV personality and maker, Adam Savage.
If we think of the term "screwing around" as another word for "playing" we make a comparison back to Huizinga's initial theory.
The Magic Circle
Huizinga was also the first to coin the term Magic Circle, which he described as the fictional reality that players buy into when playing a game. The Magic Circle represents the boundary within which the game's rules and narrative apply.
For players to fully enter and experience the Magic Circle, elements of play and pretend are essential. Play refers to engaging in an activity for enjoyment, while pretend involves creating and engaging with a fictional reality. Together, these elements drive players' ability to immerse themselves in the Magic Circle, embracing the game's rules and imaginative context as a temporary, separate reality.
To further illustrate how games transport players into the Magic Circle, Extra Credits, an acclaimed YouTube channel known for its insightful video game analyses, provides a brief overview of this concept.
Vid 2. Magic Circle How Games TransportHuizinga also noted that individuals who disrupt this imaginary boundary, whom he called "party poopers", are the worst to play with. These players undermine the Magic Circle by mocking the pretend reality or rules, which can be more disruptive than cheaters who might exploit the rules for personal gain while still engaging with the Magic Circle.
Video games often offer a higher level of immersion compared to physical games due to their advanced storytelling and graphics. These elements help players become deeply engaged in the fictional world, making it easier to lose themselves in the game's reality.
By understanding the role of play and pretend, we can appreciate how the Magic Circle functions as a crucial element of the gaming experience, creating a space where players can fully engage with the game's structured challenges and imaginative elements.