Play: The Mirror of Society
Professor and author Apostolos Spanos highlights their social aspect. Games create safe spaces for experimenting with social relationships. We can explore rules and roles without real-world risk. Through them, we learn to follow rules and respect values. At the same time, we participate in smaller or larger groups.
Another important aspect of socialization is managing handling wins and losses. This experience teaches players how to handle positive or negative outcomes in life and at work. Overall, games have historically functioned as tools for learning social rules and as a means of interacting with others.
The need to play with purpose and rules also reflects our desire for order and meaning. Games, whether simple or complex, provide frameworks within which we can develop strategic thinking, social skills and values. From ancient board games, like the Zatrikion of Knossos, to modern games, they have consistently served as mirrors of society.
In Conclusion
Games are far more than sources of entertainment. They are powerful tools for learning, socialization, and self-awareness, mirroring the values and dynamics of society from ancient times to the present day.
Game Tree respects the history and value of play. Our Games Lab proves it in action!
Will you miss the chance to play?
Also read/listen:
- Experiential games: the superfood of education
- Skills We Can Learn from Games
Key Takeaways
Games date back to antiquity and are part of every culture.
They teach cooperation, managing wins and losses, and understanding consequences.
Games are more than entertainment. They are tools for education, socialization, and self-awareness.
How long have we felt the need to play? To play with rules and a purpose? Why are we drawn to games? Let’s find out!
What you’ll find in this article:
- The history of games
- The significance of games
- Games Lab by Game Tree
This article was inspired by a recent visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where we discovered an extraordinary exhibit: a board game called Zatrikio, dating back to around 1700–1450 BC. A game so ancient, yet already designed with clear rules and a defined purpose.
The History
The history of games goes back to ancient times and has been an integral part of every culture. Common features of games throughout history include agreed-upon rules, elements of imagination and chance, defined goals and personal enjoyment. Games have served as a means of socialization, education and entertainment.
According to cultural historian Johan Huizinga, games formed the foundation of human culture. They were a basic prerequisite for the development of civilizations and served as a starting point for complex activities such as language, law, philosophy and art.
The Significance
Professor and author Apostolos Spanos highlights their social aspect. Games create safe spaces for experimenting with social relationships. We can explore rules and roles without real-world risk. Through them, we learn to follow rules and respect values. At the same time, we participate in smaller or larger groups.
Another important aspect of socialization is managing handling wins and losses. This experience teaches players how to handle positive or negative outcomes in life and at work. Overall, games have historically functioned as tools for learning social rules and as a means of interacting with others.
The need to play with purpose and rules also reflects our desire for order and meaning. Games, whether simple or complex, provide frameworks within which we can develop strategic thinking, social skills and values. From ancient board games, like the Zatrikion of Knossos, to modern games, they have consistently served as mirrors of society.
In Conclusion
Games are far more than sources of entertainment. They are powerful tools for learning, socialization, and self-awareness, mirroring the values and dynamics of society from ancient times to the present day.
Game Tree respects the history and value of play. Our Games Lab proves it in action!
Will you miss the chance to play?
Also read/listen:
- Experiential games: the superfood of education
- Skills We Can Learn from Games
Key Takeaways
Games date back to antiquity and are part of every culture.
They teach cooperation, managing wins and losses, and understanding consequences.
Games are more than entertainment. They are tools for education, socialization, and self-awareness.