Week 6 reading

The Classification of Games
By Roger Caillios

Introduction- Caillios attempts in this section to define what a game is (not necessarily sport). He uses six characteristics to define them: free, separate, uncertain, unproductive, governed by rules, and make-believe. With the general definition in place, he then precedes to break down everything which can be called a game into four main categories.

He begins by dismissing what is currently used to divide games such as the implements used in the game, the number of players and atmosphere, and the place of the contest. None of these considerations give an accurate way to split the games into groups so he proposes a new system for dividing the games.

1) Agon: Agon name given to the group of games that involve direct competition. More than that they all attempt to create an even playing field so that no one involved in the game have any advantage. This is done by imposing a set of rules that take out other factors and force the focus of the competition to be in one specific area such as strength, speed, of intelligence. This type of competition seems to be unique to man as the rules are self-imposed and do not grow naturally. However, the author points out that there are several exceptions to this such as the bovines that lower their heads and try to force the opponent back.

2) Alea: Alea is in essence the opposite of Agon. It takes out the individual’s skill and superiorities in certain areas and depends totally on a random outcome. Most casino games fall under this category because they simply involve the player betting on a certain outcome and sitting hoping for the outcome but unable to influence it. There are also several examples of a combination of both agon and alea such as poker where there is an element of both luck and skill. All these games are only found in human society as animals have no such concept of luck.

3) Mimicry: Mimicry games tend to identify more with children. It is a game where the participants pretend they are someone or something else. This can be such things as playing with action figures or toy weapons. These games are not unique to humans and can be found in the animal world as well. It also usually involves children mimicking the adults. It also tends to use a great deal of imagination and suspension of reality.

4) Ilinx: Ilinx is “based on the pursuit of vertigo and which consists of an attempt to momentarily destroy the stability of perception and inflict a kind of voluptuous panic”. This includes both children’s games such as when kids can spin around and see who quits first or intense sports usually connected with thrill-seekers such as mountain climbing.

These groups are further broken down into two more categories, those of paidia and ludus. Paidia comes from the word child and are those that are less organized and are dome more for the fun and playful element. Ludus are those that are more organized with a stricter adherence to rules.