Whereas game genres are defined by how we choose to categorize games, the aesthetics of play are the reasons we play games. When we take a mundane task and gamify it, we simply integrate one or more of the aesthetics of play into that activity.
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Sensation
Game as sense-pleasure - We play games because we like the music or the visuals or the game juice/feel. Examples:
- Patapon is a rhythm-based game that allows players to control an army of eyeball creatures via playing a set of 4 drums
Fantasy
Game as make-believe - We play games because they allow us to imagine ourselves as other people or objects. Examples:
- Super Mario is a game where players control a plumber trying to save a princess who was captured by a dragon-like creature
Narrative
Game as drama - We play games because we want to see what happens in the story or influence the outcome of the decisions of characters. Examples:
- Until Dawn is a horror game where you uncover the secrets of the central character while trying to keep everyone in the team alive
Challenge
Game as obstacle course - We play games because we like to overcome the obstacles set out by the game creator. Note that a game being challenging does not mean it has to be difficult. Examples:
- Baba Is You is a puzzle game where you control a little sheep and the actual game logic by making the sheep modify code-like statements through Sokoban-styled gameplay
Fellowship
Game as social framework - We play games because they allow us to spend time with people and work together. Examples:
- Among Us is a game where you can control survivors in space, aiming to outsmart an “imposter” creature before it kills the team
Competition
Game as expression of dominance - We play games because they allow us to dominate other players. Examples:
- Among Us is a game where you can control an “imposter” creature in order to kill a team of survivors before they boot you out into space
Discovery
Game as exploration - We play games because they allow us to learn new information and tactics. Examples:
- Minecraft is a game where players can combine materials found in the environment in order to craft items to be used for the player’s survival
Expression
Game as self-discovery - We play games because they allow us to explore and expression ourselves. Examples:
- Minecraft is a game where players can build giant structures and intricate traps to defend against and defeat creatures and other players
Submission/Abnegation
Game as past-time - We play games because we can use them to simply pass time in a pleasant manner. Examples:
- Cookie Clicker is game where you pass time by clicking on a cookie and gaining points