What is the point of a game?

[Zeggy]

Let's have a 'deep' discussion :whistling:

What's a game?

What's the point of a game?

 

I am asking this because my game (boring rpg) is pretty different from most games. I get asked quite often "what's the point?". It frustrates me because people jump to the conclusion that my game isn't a 'real' game.

I disagree. I think the most basic idea of a game is competition. You are always competing with other players in some criteria.

In rts games like starcraft, you are competing within each match to beat the opponent. You also compete in the meta-game, trying to get better match rankings and more wins than everybody else.

In pet games, you are competing for your pet to be the strongest in battles. To be the richest player. Etc.

So what if you took away everything, and were left only with a simple game mechanic of clicking a button that increases your stats. Is there a point? Is it still competitive? Is it still a game?

 

Edit: The focus of the topic is on the questions above, I was only using my game as an example :)

[sniko]

well to me a game is something which is enjoyable to an audience, no matter the goal, there will always be an audience. So bascially, your game engine with the click function/aim i think will attract an audience becuase people have different interests. BUT to keep people addicted to your game you need to add more features maybe a leaderboard and add eastereggs.

[Djkanna]

Well your game is a game, it's competitive as you are going against other players in getting the best states etc.

I don't think one can describe what a game is as we all have our own opinions on what a game is and/or what a game should be for us to call it a game.

For me a game needs to have either interaction with a AI or a real person playing the game, that is pretty much my only requirement for me to call a game a game.

[Curt]

I agree with DJkanna,

Everyone will have their own opinion about this.

I also agree with sniko because if there is an audience that enjoys "playing" your game then its safe to call it a game.

Anyone can make a game but only few can actually make a GOOD game. Im still working my ass off to make my game a good game...lol

I may reach my goal one day if I continue to work at it....back on track...

For me a game is anything that has a since of competition between others. Be it another person or simply the computer.

I actually had to think a little bit about this question because its a pretty damn good question that i have never seen asked before..lol

Thanks everyone,

Curt

[Dominion]

you can't define the point of a game as everyone wants something out of it. your game is a game, yes due to the competition but i say mainly as it's fun (and very addictive). i don't find games based on mcc based games worth being on anymore. why? well they are always based around the gym and/or crimes or gangs. boringrpg offers something that has not really been seen before (well by me anyway) and i enjoy being #1 or fighting for it. may not have been on for a bit but i will be back at some point ;)

[Zeggy]

A game isn't a game because it's fun. Most people have already defined a particular game as a game before they even experience it.

If you're bored with playing tic-tac-toe or rock paper scissors, do you stop calling it a game?

Do you need to play a game and enjoy it first before you can call it a game?

[Dominion]

a game is not a game due to it having competition in it. war is competition yet not a game, as is competition in the business world. you can not define a game 100%.

"a contest with rules to determine a winner; "you need four people to play this game".

if this was true no mccodes game is a game as there is never a final winner, yet google said so.

[Zeggy]

I know, I didn't say a game is defined purely by the element of competition.

 

you can not define a game 100%.

Well, that's what this thread is for then :)

The definition you gave is just one of the many definitions of a game.

[Rasheed saeed]

My point of view, a game(PRG) is something to enjoy, and keep you occupied.

Games like (Chaoticwars) is enjoyable because and average people are on aday training. And there getting stronger and that gives you a sort of 'goal' like.. And you keep playing the game until you become the best, and do enjoy yourself..

That's a game in my view... Not all about the modifications

[Dominion]

yes zeggy, everyone will play games for different reasons, and will therefore define a game by why the play games. fun is not how you define what a game is, however it's what i define a game should be. opinions are funny things i guess.

[Aurora078]

Why does the world turn? Why does life exist? Lol. Theres no 1 answer.

[Dominion]

http://www.universetoday.com/14491/why-does-the-earth-rotate/

and why is there life God made it. anyway lets not get into that one lol

as i said what a game is will always open to what one thinks.

[Rasheed saeed]

Why does life exist?

I guess that's just our universe.