There are many methods involved when defining what is and what isn't a game. Many different writers have explored this situation, such as Roger Caillois, James Newman, Katie Salem and Eric Zimmerman. Each of these individuals have tried their hand at writing and expressing their beliefs on what defines a game and consequently the following terms have been brought to light:
Paida or the idea of 'Free Play'. This can range through different games that do not require set up rules to be played, this could include many childrens games because they do not involve rules and instead are made up on the spot. A good example of a game is a childrens footrace, because they may not set up rules other than that the first person to reach a point is the winner.
Ludus is the opposite, it is the 'Rule oriented play'. This is any game that has a pre-arranged rule set that must be followed to play the game. This differs from Paida because the rules are changeable in Paida and do not affect the outcome of the game, whereas if the rules are changed in Ludus games then it becomes a different game entirely. A good contrasting example to the child's footrace is a 100m sprint. The 100m sprint has a set up track that the racers must follow, they must stay within their confined spot and so forth. This is an example of how a Paida game can be converted into a Ludus game.
The above are two general terms for describing games that can be further broken down. They further expand upon these terms with the further classification of Agon, Mimicry, Alea and Linux.
Agon is the idea of a game based around competition and would apply to the above example of footraces well, because both forms of races involve competition regardless of the competitors or scenario.
Mimicry is the idea of a game based around simulating a real life environment. This includes the obvious simulator games, such as train, plane, farm and more simulator games.
Alea is the idea of a game based around chance. This can include games such as tetris, which would offer you random pieces from a pool or even games that are centered around gambling, such as blackjack or roulette.
Ilinx is the final topic and is related to games based around the idea of movement, horizontal and vertical. This can also apply to a game such as racing, because it involves moving but can be extended to most sports such as football, skiing, driving and many more.
These classifications can be mixed and combined, allowing a game to fall under more than one category at a time. Examples can include games such as:
Black and White. You could argue that Black and White is a Ludus and Paida game at the same time, with elements of Agon and Ilinx. Black and White can match this topics because there is a multiplayer free for all mode and also a story, which you can choose not to progress and instead sit back and enjoy your island. It matches Agon because of the multiplayer aspect and Ilinx because of the unique hand movement that the game is known for. In some aspects it also represents some form of Mimicry because you are simulating the idea of playing 'God'.
FIFA games are clearly Ilinx and Agon, often incorporating mimicry into the mix as well. FIFA is a ludus game that allows a player to compete in a game of football using a team they choose/create. This is how FIFA manages to combine all of the elements.
When dicussing gambling it offers a large number of Ludus games that combine Agon and Alea, due to the players competing against one another and also having to deal with the random factor that is introduced in every game (e.g. roulette, deck of cards etc.)
There are games that result in pure parts of each section and a good example of a pure mimicry game is the Sim City. Sim City does not have an ending or a specific rule set, thus it is a Paida game. This game allows you to completely build and then tear down your city before rebuilding it again as you see fit. You are also able to set your own rules and restrictions to make it a more challenging or enjoyable game.
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