What is the difference between games and sports? A game is an exercise or physical activity performed under an agreed upon set of rules: for example, for the Olympic Games, which involves athletes from all over the world. A game is normally a competitive activity between one or more competing players, usually defined by a specific objective that the players attempt to achieve, and a set of rules for playing it. Most people would think that games are “real” games, because they are played using real materials and people on the playing field – balls, paddles, markers, etc. And they do have some intangibles, such as time and money, but the rules of most games, even sports, are more about strategy than actual physical exertion.
A game can also be a game played for social, aesthetic, or neurological reasons. Games played socially or for entertainment purposes are called games. Games played for competitive advantage or to create an outcome depend on the participants’ understanding of the rules and the use of skills, tactics, or abilities. Examples include games like chess, bingo, rumbles, pushups, sports betting, and video games such as video tennis, golf, slot machines, air hockey, basketball, football, and chess. The rules of these games allow for multiple outcomes, because the rules may change from game to game, depending on the goal established at the start of a game.
Games are categorized according to the materials used to create them. These categories can include board games (all played on a table), card games (all played on a hand-held device), trivia games (all played on a set of numbers), word games (all played with a pencil or pencils), and musical chairs (sometimes on a moving platform). Some can be played alone, in groups, or against another computer or human player. Most games can be played online, through email, through instant messaging, or through dedicated websites. Some games can be downloaded for free, but some require a subscription fee. Some can be played on dedicated gaming platforms that provide broadband Internet, cable TV, or other Internet services.
Some of the earliest games were word games. These involved guessing words, recognizing words, spelling words, or pronouncing words. The word games developed out of the need for quick response times in military campaigns. In modern times, word games are still used in high schools, colleges, and homes.
Board games fall into this category, as do many arcade games. Board games generally involve some form of trading or gambling. Games played on a cabinet, on a computer, or on a television screen usually involve some form of skill evaluation, resource allocation, decision making, and the use of time management. Many games require players to work together as a group or as a team.
Computer games can be played alone. There are many games available for computer download that do not require a specific connection to the Internet at all. These games can be played over a period of time or all at once. Computer games also simulate the social environment of a real social game. There are many games available that can be played by children and adults alike.
