Games are structured forms of play or recreation that involve one or more participants following a set of rules or conventions. Games may be played for entertainment, competition, education, exercise, social interaction, or other purposes.
Games can take many forms, including board games, card games, sports, puzzles, party games, role-playing games, and video games. Some games require physical equipment, while others can be played using only the participants and a set of agreed rules.
Most games have some combination of objectives, rules, challenges, and methods for determining outcomes. A game may have a winner or ranking, although some games are cooperative and require participants to work together toward a shared objective.
Games have existed in human societies for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that ancient civilizations developed games for recreation, social interaction, strategy, and gambling. Examples include ancient forms of chess-like games, dice games, and board games.
Games can be played individually or between multiple participants. Multiplayer games may involve cooperation, competition, negotiation, or a combination of these. Some games are organized into leagues, tournaments, or other formal competitions.
Modern technology has expanded the range of games available. Video games and computer games allow players to interact with digital environments, while online networks allow people in different locations to play together. Mobile devices have also made many games widely accessible.
Games are studied in fields including mathematics, psychology, computer science, economics, education, and sociology. The mathematical study of strategic decision-making in games is known as game theory.