It is interesting to carefully think about the definition of the word “play”. Although we use it all the time during daily talks, we never have a chance to go deep into the concept of “play”. In this week’s reading, the meaning of play is divided into three categories: game play, ludic activity, and being playful, among which the first one is the most worthwhile to talk about.
There is a sentence in the article says “A game is a safe way to experience reality.” To me it can be the strongest part of the importance of playing games. As game designers, by setting rules and building realistic or imaginative environment, we are able to create a particular context in which the players could have experience that is very different from the real world. It is an opportunity for the designers to realize imagination, test out their assumptions, and make improvements based on the game results. As a player, every time of playing a game is a totally different experience. Games allow players to act as different characters with different personalities, complete impossible missions, and even test the boundary of morality and humanity.
Obviously, there are infinite possibilities hiding in the process of designing and playing games. What really matters is how to make a game represent some importance of the real world and make it worthwhile to experience. For instance, a game that call people’s attention to care about equality issues is way better than a game that teaches people how to shoot or fight against each other only for entertainment.