A definition of play built on the back of previous play theory but with the understanding that play probably can't be truly defined...

1. @rt_wood

2. 1. Play is for plays sake
Twentieth century psychologists aside, play is understood to be an activity that is undertaken not for
some higher meaning or end goal. It is played for plays sake. Huizinga (1958) and Caillois (1962)
among others, were adamant that no material benefit can be derived from play. It is my opinion that
material benefit can be derived from play if it is a ‘byproduct’ or ‘happy coincidence’ of play, meaning
that if the outcome is not the primary reason for the play-activity, then the activity is still play. There is
no deeper meaning. There is no ‘end goal’.
@rt_wood

3. 2. Play is free
Play is a voluntary undertaking for the players involved. A player cannot be forced into a play-state,
coerced perhaps, but not forced. Else this ceases to exist as play. Here, along with the rule based
structure is the greatest difference between play and game. A player can be forced into gaming, yet
play remains voluntary. The player(s) is free to chose whether or not they play. Play is voluntary.
@rt_wood

4. 3. Meta-Communication
Play is a negotiated process where players define play through context - play space, nuances etc.
@rt_wood

5. 4. Play is an activity
Play is a mental and/or physical activity undertaken by the player(s).
@rt_wood

6. 5. Play can be social or solitary
Play can be undertaken by an individual (dance, narrative, imaginary), or a group (multiplayer-games,
sports, role-play). Here we are returned to the idea of play forming the core of socio-cultural
civilisation (Huizinga, 1958).
@rt_wood

7. 6. Play is transformative
Both in an evolutionary and educative sense. Play changes us. When we play we are changed by the
experience. The change can be evolutionary (scientific play, Dewey et al.), educative (Hall,
Montessori, Froebel etc) or experiential. Play, creates order and understanding (Huizinga, 1958;
Caillois, 1962; Sutton-Smith, 1997; Brown, 2009) through exploration and experience. Relate this to
modern console games, even those games that are not simulations in some way (racing, RPG’s etc)
the player is effectively learning the algorithm behind the game and understand the patterns that form
the structure of that game.
@rt_wood

8. 7. Play is fun
Arguably the most important of all. If play was not fun it would not exist as play. Players have to enjoy
the process of playing.
@rt_wood

9. 8. Play is immersive
Players become immersed in the activity of play. Either wholly or partially.
@rt_wood

10. Plays is a voluntary activity, either physical or mental in
nature that is undertaken by one or more players without a
set outcome as the primary focus of the play, and for the
amusement of those that are playing. It is an immersive,
transformative process that is recognised through context
and agreed upon by those players involved.
@rt_wood