Game Definitions: A Wittgensteinian Approach

Games have been defined and redefined many times ov er, and there seems to be no end to this continual process or any agreement about the definitions. Thi s art cle argues that such an agreement is not necessary, and presents a Wittgensteinian approach t discussing game definitions. Instead of the common core approach used in most definitions, this art cle argues for an approach based on languagegames. The common core approach is based on a limit ed number of shared core attributes, while the language-game approach is based on the idea of fami ly resemblances. The language-game approach sees the cycle of redefinition as a hermeneutic circle t hat advances our understanding of games. This artic le also clarifies the distinction between nominal and real definitions and shows how they serve different purposes. With the approach suggested here, the foc us in research can shift from the essential attribu tes of games to understanding definitions as tools for pra ctic l purposes.