About
Author: Roger Caillois
Publisher: University of Illinois Press
Pages: 224
Description
“According to Roger Caillois, play is ‘an occasion of pure waste: waste of time, energy, ingenuity, skill, and often of money.’ In spite of this–or because of it–play constitutes an essential element of human social and spiritual development. In this classic study, Caillois defines play as a free and voluntary activity that occurs in a pure space, isolated and protected from the rest of life. Play is uncertain, since the outcome may not be foreseen, and it is governed by rules that provide a level playing field for all participants. In its most basic form, play consists of finding a response to the opponent’s action–or to the play situation–that is free within the limits set by the rules.” – Publisher
Steve Wilcox is an assistant professor in the Game Design & Development program at Wilfrid Laurier University where he researches & creates knowledge translation games. He is also the co-founder & former editor-in-chief of First Person Scholar.
