It occurs to me after reading this Sharks turn games into conflicts - Chris Crawford quote, that games are fragile systems. They have many finicky requirements for them to continue to work.

They are voluntary, so if anyone decides they don't want to play anymore, the game breaks.

Everyone has to follow the rules - if anyone starts to cheat, the game breaks. // 2 Nephi - Compiled Previous Notes

What happens when someone cheats in life? // Magic Circle Plan of Salvation

The rules have to be clear. If there's a lack of clarity about how one can proceed, the immersion of the game breaks.

I'm certain more examples could be found, but this makes the point. Game are fragile systems. The structure that gives games their magic is the element that also makes them so fleeting in the first place.

Citations

• (The Art of Computer Game Design #citation)
• Play occurs in voluntary unstructured space Play occurs in unstructured space
• (Antifragile #citation)
• Play thrives in randomness and change

#gamedesign #toolong