A game is any activity that involves a goal, a set of rules, and player interaction. A game usually involves physical and mental stimulation, and some games are even educational. Professional athletes, for example, engage in spectator sports that require them to be physically fit. Still other games serve as works of art. Mahjong and solitaire are examples of artistic layouts.

These components form the basis for game design. A game can’t exist without the rules. In essence, the rules define the boundaries and heart of the game. In addition, a game can’t be forced upon its players. Without a game’s rules, it’s not really a game at all.

The basic premise of game theory is that rational players strive to maximize their payoffs. They also don’t want to unilaterally change their payoffs, which is called a “Nash equilibrium.” In short, a game’s outcome is determined by the decisions of other participants. Using this model, you can analyze many aspects of human behavior, from personal interactions to business decisions.

Another feature of a game is its difficulty. There are many ways to define the difficulty of a game. Some games are easier to complete than others, and others are harder. For instance, there are many RPG games that are difficult to beat.