Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Book Preview:

#1 We all have a bias against games today. We can't help it. This bias is part of our culture, and it's even woven into the way we use the words game and player in everyday conversation.

#2 All games share four defining traits: a goal, rules, a feedback system, and voluntary participation. The goal is the specific outcome that players will work to achieve. It focuses their attention and continually orient their participation throughout the game.

#3 The four traits of games are challenge, feedback, a clear win condition, and arbitrary limitations on your freedom to work in the most efficient way. The opposite of gameplay is not a game.

#4 The most important difference between digital and non-digital games is the intensity of the feedback they provide. In computer and video games, the interactive loop is satisfyingly tight. There seems to be no gap between your actions and the game's responses.