Why We Play

Why do we play games? The obvious answer is entertainment, but it goes deeper than that. From a young age, we are taught how to play, by ourselves and with others. We are rewarded for winning or exhibiting good behavior, and we are reprimanded for cheating and rule breaking. Playing, Caillois says, is an activity located entirely outside serious, ordinary life. I’m not so sure that I agree.

Sure, games can be sorted into the “escapist” category alongside movies and television. We can delve into the controlled arena of game play to escape from the harsh realities of our world. But the two dimensions are not totally disconnected, and even though rules and outcomes may remain in one realm or the other, attitudes, behaviors, and feelings easily flow between.

As I mentioned, playing games is a learned skill. Children are expected to gain certain traits through game play, like honesty, teamwork, and determination. We don’t do this for nothing. We frame these important life lessons as games so the kids have an easily discernible reason for participating. But, we don’t really care which kid wins Simon Says. We just want them to listen to us.

I don’t mean to say that games are all just a sham meant to control people. I’m just noting that the worlds may not be so separate. Look at professional athletes in our country, who are held up as idols for playing games for a living. Their behaviors on the field, court, or rink don’t end when the buzzer sounds. Many athletes have off the field issues related to aggression. Many pursue a lavish lifestyle, spurred on by their heightened status. In a way, their entire life is a game. It is impossible to separate the game from the player.