Wittgenstein et.al.

In order to understand and define the term ‘games’, we were introduced to the theories of Wittgenstein. Wittgenstein was a famous Austrian philosopher, prominent in the 20th century. His theories primarily concerned language and concepts, but are relevant to the definition of the term “game” in that Wittgenstein, in an effort to address the endless uses of words, described the “family resemblance” of certain words, in that for some there is no clear-cut definition, only similar and differing characteristics. This is in direct contrast to theorists such as Salen & Zimmerman or Avedon & Sutton, all of whom outlined direct definitions or the term ‘game’. In the context of digital games, Wittgenstein’s theories can be demonstrated by comparing games such as “Quake” and the game of poker on www.poker.com. One is a first-person shoot ‘em-up, the other a 3-D poker simulation. Both are competitive, in that the objective is to beat the opponent, however one (Quake) requires the gamer to achieve certain goals. To do this, the player is forced to strategize and carry out elaborate combative manoeuvres that will help them overcome the opposition. The game requires skill, forward thinking and an appreciation of the rules of play. Poker played on www.poker.com on the other hand is entirely dependant on the luck of the draw – the hand which a player is dealt. Due to the lack of face-to-face contact, no “poker face” is required, only a decent set of cards. From this, Wittgenstein’s theory that there is a “family resemblance” within games is demonstrated. Both games are competitive, however one (Quake) is based on skill and strategy, whilst the other (online poker) relies on the luck of the draw. From this Wittgenstein’s “familial resemblance” is clearly demonstrated. The fundamental element of competitive play is present, but the ways in which goals are achieved are completely different. In this respect, as in a family, in which members will share build, features or personality traits, so do games. Each is from a vastly differing genre, however they are both competitive. Wittgenstein made a “rope” analogy, in that there are many twisted fibres rather than one single thread, and in this respect, it seems that the “fibres of these games are woven together in order to conform to the “rope” that is game.


Bibliography:

Half-Real: A Dictionary of Video Game Theory, Retrieved, 7th Feb 2007
http://www.half-real.net/dictionary/


Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Ludwig Wittgenstein, Retrieved 8th Feb 2007
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/wittgenstein/