Games as Systems of Conflict - Ch 20

-struggle among players to achieve a goal and become the winner creates the game’s system of conflict.

-conflict can be direct or indirect.

arm wrestling, direct

skating contest, indirect

-game’s space of possibility is a space of possible conflict
playing a game involves navigating and exploring degrees of conflict
rich space of possibility makes it more meaningful for the players

Competition and Cooperation:

competition: when players struggle against each other in an artificial conflict

e.g. zero-sum games, one wins, other loses

-player’s actions are integrated into the game, in meaningful play, this is dependent on a competitive nature of games

cooperation: conflict occurs in games whether directly between players or whether players work together against the conflict
-playing a game means cooperatively take action in a game, communicating with other players.

paradox: conflict occurs within the magic circle, while the players cooperatively playing to create a competition for their own amusement

Goal of a game:
-another essential component for games
-space of possibilities is in between two points: beginning and end point - goal is the end point, once reached game is over
-goals are not the only reason people play games, they also play for social interaction, cultural change, etc
Level playing field of conflict: game system is intrinsically equitable, the conflict is fair. Game contest takes place on a level playing field, which doesn’t favor one side or another.