Game definitions vary greatly, ranging from the simple to the esoteric. Johan Huizinga first defined games in 1938, followed by Friedrich Georg Junger in 1959. Manfred Eigen defines games as “a natural phenomenon, a necessity, or an accident.” Other definitions, including those by Ruthild Winkler, place games in the realm of art and design. But whatever the case, games are definitely not just playthings – they are a form of artistic expression.
The game theory behind these models is based on several simple assumptions. First, all players are rational actors who seek utility maximization. Second, players have full knowledge of the game. Third, possible outcomes of a game are predetermined, and they cannot be changed once a player starts the game. And fourth, games can involve an infinite number of players, but most commonly, there will be only two players. For these reasons, game theory can make a good prediction in the real world.
Video games have also changed our world. The Space Invaders video game revolution changed the way we interact with games. Soon, chain restaurants began to install games to tap into this growing trend. As a result, the game became a social event, with players competing to reach the top of the leaderboard. As the industry began to change, so did the types of games available. The emergence of online multiplayer gaming. Nolan Bushnell was the founder of Atari and was credited as the “godfather of gaming.”