Non-game

Non-games are a class of software on the border between video games and toys. The term "non-game game" was coined by late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, who describes it as "a form of entertainment that really doesn't have a winner, or even a real conclusion".[1][failed verification] Will Wright had previously used the term "software toy" for the same purpose.[2][better source needed] The main difference between non-games and traditional video games is the lack of structured goals, objectives, and challenges.[3] This allows the player a greater degree of self-expression through freeform play, since they can set up their own goals to achieve. Some genres that have been considered non-games include language-learning software, digital tabletop games, puzzle games, simulation games, and art games.

  1. ^ IGN: GDC 2005: Iwata Keynote Transcript Archived 2007-09-20 at the Wayback Machine, March 2005
  2. ^ "I want my software toy". Brainy Gamer. September 25, 2008. Archived from the original on June 19, 2015. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  3. ^ Francisco Queiroz: Insular, Critical Appraisal. September 2005