The focus on play that is more free-form and impulsive happens in video games and I can’t think of a better example than Will Wright’s ‘software toys’ like Sim City and The Sims. Yes, these were complex simulations but because there was no overarching goal, you could do whatever you wanted. Wright was brilliant because he understood that toy play can still happen with complex systems.
Great to hear from you - I was just thinking about you the other day on a hike, and was contemplating getting in touch. Then I fell ill, and now the work backlog threatens to bury me! 😅
There is no doubt Wil Wright's Sim games moved the needle extraordinarily on this, but I must confess when I came to play The Sims I was shocked at how much structured play there was alongside the freeform toybox, particularly in the RPG-like skill/work system. Like Harvest Moon before it, The Sims applied computer RPG systems to non-violent situations, which was especially impressive in these early outings because nobody considered this for nearly three decades!
However, as someone who is rather prone to 'numbers go up', the inclusion of these systems meant I was unable to enjoy The Sims in that freeform mode at all. The reward structures dominated. (Sim City was a different story!)
As I said when I started rerunning these pieces, these were among the most popular things I ran at Only a Game, and it's nice to put them 'back in play'. I wrote about Caillois three times in all, and each time got something new out of him. But these pieces were by far the most well-received of those outings.
The software toy is also big business. Minecraft and Roblox allows unstructured toy play but then allows you to create your own formalized play experiences. It is emergent joy at its best.
I recently completed a business retrospective, thinking about my varied projects and creative activities. You personally factored in a very positive way. I cherish how you challenged and helped my thinking.
Hope you’ve recovered and that your family is well. We will stay in touch.
The focus on play that is more free-form and impulsive happens in video games and I can’t think of a better example than Will Wright’s ‘software toys’ like Sim City and The Sims. Yes, these were complex simulations but because there was no overarching goal, you could do whatever you wanted. Wright was brilliant because he understood that toy play can still happen with complex systems.
Thanks for your series. Very thought provoking.
Dear Chris,
Great to hear from you - I was just thinking about you the other day on a hike, and was contemplating getting in touch. Then I fell ill, and now the work backlog threatens to bury me! 😅
There is no doubt Wil Wright's Sim games moved the needle extraordinarily on this, but I must confess when I came to play The Sims I was shocked at how much structured play there was alongside the freeform toybox, particularly in the RPG-like skill/work system. Like Harvest Moon before it, The Sims applied computer RPG systems to non-violent situations, which was especially impressive in these early outings because nobody considered this for nearly three decades!
However, as someone who is rather prone to 'numbers go up', the inclusion of these systems meant I was unable to enjoy The Sims in that freeform mode at all. The reward structures dominated. (Sim City was a different story!)
As I said when I started rerunning these pieces, these were among the most popular things I ran at Only a Game, and it's nice to put them 'back in play'. I wrote about Caillois three times in all, and each time got something new out of him. But these pieces were by far the most well-received of those outings.
With unlimited love,
Chris.
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your reply and kind thoughts.
The software toy is also big business. Minecraft and Roblox allows unstructured toy play but then allows you to create your own formalized play experiences. It is emergent joy at its best.
I recently completed a business retrospective, thinking about my varied projects and creative activities. You personally factored in a very positive way. I cherish how you challenged and helped my thinking.
Hope you’ve recovered and that your family is well. We will stay in touch.
Chris