# play (game)

a game that is done not for work

- Computed level: L12 (depth in the emergence graph, not abstraction)
- Status: review  ·  Domain: n  ·  Arena: play

## Emergence
**Emerges from:** [game](https://emergencemachine.com/tools/lexicon/what-is-the-meaning-of-game.playful), [interaction](https://emergencemachine.com/tools/lexicon/what-is-the-meaning-of-interaction.process), [work](https://emergencemachine.com/tools/lexicon/what-is-the-meaning-of-work.effort)

**Through:** the game supplies a structured activity and interaction lets participants engage together, producing a shared experience, while contrast with work highlights its non-instrumental nature

**Novel properties:**
- non-instrumental engagement
- voluntary participation
- shared imaginative space

## Examples
- Children reenact market transactions with fake money in the 'Bank Game' at Montessori School Number 9, Budapest. *(education)*
- Players of the 2023 online game 'Eve Online' coordinated a massive fleet battle in the 'Providence' system, losing 150 virtual ships. *(gaming)*
- At the Burning Man festival in Nevada's Black Rock Desert, participants built and burned a 40-foot wooden effigy in 2022. *(event)*

## Used by
- [casino](https://emergencemachine.com/tools/lexicon/what-is-the-meaning-of-casino.entertainment) (L17)
- [fun](https://emergencemachine.com/tools/lexicon/what-is-the-meaning-of-fun.leisure) (L13)
- [player](https://emergencemachine.com/tools/lexicon/what-is-the-meaning-of-player.human) (L18)
- [playful](https://emergencemachine.com/tools/lexicon/what-is-the-meaning-of-playful.behavioral) (L13)
- [recreation](https://emergencemachine.com/tools/lexicon/what-is-the-meaning-of-recreation.leisure) (L13)
- [toys](https://emergencemachine.com/tools/lexicon/what-is-the-meaning-of-toys.play) (L14)

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*Canonical: https://emergencemachine.com/tools/lexicon/what-is-the-meaning-of-play.game*  
*Structured data: https://emergencemachine.com/tools/lexicon/what-is-the-meaning-of-play.game.json*  
*Every definition provably resolves to space, time, energy and pattern.*