O QUE É UM JOGO? | De Quem é a Vez? - EXPLICA

Summary

This video delves into the concept of what makes something a game, tracing the history of this debate and examining key ideas such as Johan Huizinga's 'magic circle,' which defines games as voluntary activities governed by specific rules. It also touches on the ongoing debate between games and narratives, especially in the context of digital media. The video highlights that fun is intrinsic to the gaming experience, emphasizing that the challenge, rather than the narrative, is what makes games enjoyable. Ultimately, it advocates for a flexible definition of games that allows room for all interpretations, acknowledging their role as both entertainment and art.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of a 'game' is often debated, with scholars aiming to define its characteristics and distinguish it from pastimes or puzzles.
• 😀 Johan Huizinga introduced the idea of the 'magic circle' in his 1938 book *Homoludens*, which represents a special environment created during a game where rules govern the actions of participants.
• 😀 The magic circle exists only during a game, and actions within it are judged based on the game's rules, not real-world standards.
• 😀 Real-world events or emotions can sometimes overflow into the magic circle, influencing a player's behavior, as seen when anger or frustration affects post-game interactions.
• 😀 Bluffing in games can blur the line between in-game actions and real-life trust, as lying in a game might affect how others view you outside of it.
• 😀 The game’s rules are a defining feature, as they create a structure that is accepted by all players, shaping their experience within the magic circle.
• 😀 One of the main debates in game theory involves distinguishing games from narratives, with some scholars, like Jessica Gil, arguing that stories are secondary to the gameplay itself.
• 😀 Roger Caillois and other theorists argue that games must be free, non-productive, and governed by rules, with no predetermined outcome and room for player choice.
• 😀 Rafael Costa defines 'fun' in games as the mental mastery of a problem, where players enjoy solving challenges, which contrasts with the perception of 'boring' subjects like math if not understood.
• 😀 The debate over whether games are about narratives or challenges continues, but there’s generally an acceptance of diverse perspectives in the field of game theory.
• 😀 Despite various theories, it’s agreed that a game needs to be fun, and its primary value lies in providing challenges and engaging players mentally rather than focusing on a narrative.

Q & A

What is the concept of the 'magic circle' in relation to games?

The 'magic circle' is a concept introduced by Johan Huizinga in 1938. It refers to the special, temporary environment created by a game, governed by specific rules that participants agree to follow. In this space, the rules of the game take precedence, and behaviors outside of the game world are not applicable.

Why is it important to distinguish between a game and a pastime?

A game is defined by specific rules, challenges, and goals, whereas a pastime is often more freeform and lacks structured rules. This distinction helps scholars better understand the unique elements that define games, particularly in contrast to activities like puzzles or leisure activities.

How does the 'magic circle' affect players' behavior during a game?

When participants enter the magic circle, they agree to the game's rules, which govern their actions. This creates a temporary, imaginary world where behaviors that would be unacceptable in real life—like foul play or bluffing—are allowed within the context of the game, as long as they adhere to the agreed-upon rules.

What impact does the real world have on the magic circle?

Sometimes, behaviors from the real world can spill over into the magic circle, such as when players become overly angry after losing a game or feel discomfort with bluffing. This interaction between the game world and reality highlights the blurred boundaries that can exist, though ideally, players should be able to separate the two.

What role does fun play in defining what a game is?

Fun is central to the experience of a game. According to Rafael Costa, fun arises when players mentally engage with and begin to understand the challenges they need to solve to succeed in the game. This sense of accomplishment is tied to overcoming obstacles, not necessarily to the narrative of the game.

What was the debate around games versus narratives, and how did it evolve?

The debate emerged with the rise of digital games and was mainly focused on whether games should have a narrative component or if they should be defined by their interactive elements and rule-based structure. While some theorists like Jessica Gil argue that the game aspect should come before the story, there has been room for all viewpoints, and the debate has cooled over time.

How does Roger Caillois's definition of a game relate to Huizinga's?

Roger Caillois, like Huizinga, emphasized that games are governed by rules and take place in fictional situations. However, Caillois added that games should not have predetermined outcomes and must allow for player choice, providing an element of unpredictability, which is essential for a game to be considered interactive.

What role do parents play in shaping the experience of a game for children?

Parents often intentionally lose to their children in games to foster enjoyment and encourage further play. This behavior highlights how social interactions and the emotional experience of players—particularly young children—can influence the dynamics of a game beyond the competitive aspect.

What does Rafael Costa mean when he says that fun is intrinsically related to challenge?

Costa argues that fun in games is not about the narrative but about the challenge. Players enjoy a game when they understand the problem they need to solve, which stimulates their minds and provides a satisfying challenge. If a game is too difficult or too easy, it can hinder this sense of fun.

Why is it important to understand the definitions and concepts of games for game designers?

Understanding the definitions and concepts of games, such as the magic circle, rules, and challenge, is crucial for game designers because it helps them create engaging experiences. By recognizing the balance between challenge and fun, and the interaction between rules and narrative, designers can craft games that are enjoyable and meaningful for players.