Game

A game is a structured form of play, usually undertaken for entertainment, challenge, or education, that involves a set of rules, goals, and constraints. Games often require skill, strategy, chance, and interaction with other players or with the game system itself. They can be informal or formal, competitive or cooperative, and may be designed for individuals or groups.

Games have ancient roots, with board games such as Senet and Go dating back thousands of years. The invention of playing cards, mechanical devices, and later digital computing expanded possibilities. In modern times, the video game industry emerged with arcade technologies in the late 20th century and evolved into a diverse ecosystem encompassing console, PC, mobile, and online formats.

Game types include board games, card games, dice games, role-playing games, puzzle games, and video games. They can be further categorized by play style as competitive or cooperative, structured or sandbox, and by platform. Some are designed for solo play, others for multiplayer play, online or locally.

Core elements of game design include objectives, rules, feedback mechanisms, closure, and balance. Designers consider mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics, a perspective known as MDA. Interaction, narrative, and progression structures influence engagement and replayability.

Games have cultural significance and economic impact. They are studied in education for skills such as problem-solving and collaboration. The industry encompasses development studios, publishers, distribution platforms, and esports ecosystems, with ongoing concerns about accessibility, representation, and player well-being.