Game
A game is a form of structured play. Games can be designed for one up to many players. A sports game, like football, for instance employs dozens of players. A game has rules of play to provide the structure of what to do in order to earn points, to win. The structure usually also defines what is not allowed, like one card player is not permitted to look at the cards held by another player. Games are meant to be for entertainment
The saying “game on” is meant to mean let us start or I am willing to start now. It can be used in response to a challenge and that can be to playing checkers on through the spectrum to martial arts style fighting. It means that I am engaged in this ‘game’, whatever that might be. It might even be a challenge I take on without the knowledge of the other ‘players’, as in going after terrorists. It means I have entered the game space and intend to win
Gamification is adding an element of play to an otherwise non-game experience. For instance, we all know about Roll up the Rim where you could win valuable prizes, they say. There are programmers who specialize in gamification. Anytime we see the word ‘win’ or ‘score’ or ‘points’ we are likely looking at an ad that has used gamification to entice folks to play, and the entry is often that I first need to buy. Gamification is itself a game
Some people play games. I mean some people are not what they seem. They pretend to be pleasant or truthful or in agreement, but as soon as they are out of sight, blam, the opposite is exhibited in their behaviour. I wanted to add a garage and asked the neighbour to support my bid to slightly extend the easement so the garage would fit. He agreed loudly and then wrote a letter to the town to object even more loudly. Game player
The game of checkers is usually not quite as serious in its ramifications when compared to the game of life. Game of life? Yes, there are ways to win and lose and rules and levels of engagement and so many more aspects of life that are parallel to the parts of a game. How we play determines what we win. How we define a win is part of that. Lots about this game that we get to decide. What have you been deciding?