Proving Oneself
Another function of games is as a means of demonstrating prowess.
All games support this motivation to a greater or lesser degree.
Many game-playing communities sponsor tournaments or player ratings.
Arcade games support this function by recording and displaying the initials of the top-scoring players.
There are also players who carry this to extremes.
Their prime goal is not merely to win, but to beat somebody, preferably somebody worth beating.
Chess has an unusually high concentration of such sharks; so do war games.
A common question asked during a War game is "Are you playing for blood or for fun?"
Such players normally prefer games that allow their skill to be properly brought to bear, so they tend towards games in which chance plays a minimal role.
Another function of games is as a means of demonstrating prowess.
All games support this motivation to a greater or lesser degree.
Many game-playing communities sponsor tournaments or player ratings.
Arcade games support this function by recording and displaying the initials of the top-scoring players.
There are also players who carry this to extremes.
Their prime goal is not merely to win, but to beat somebody, preferably somebody worth beating.
Chess has an unusually high concentration of such sharks; so do war games.
A common question asked during a War game is "Are you playing for blood or for fun?"
Such players normally prefer games that allow their skill to be properly brought to bear, so they tend towards games in which chance plays a minimal role.