Fun is not fun anymore
It seems that we have been taking for granted that games are supposed to be fun. It is also common that people who are interesting in understanding games usually wonder what is fun and how to define it. But I am not sure that games are about fun. Sure, the experience should be fun but I see it more as a consequence than a goal. Games should be both interesting and challenging.
You could play, say, a very difficult game of chess and do not have fun in the traditional sense but rather enjoy the challenge. This apparent contradiction is similar to the one that happens with horror stories. By definition, fear is not pleasant, however we do “enjoy” horror films. Reading a dramatic story may not be fun, but it is a rewarding experience. I believe that with games the situation is –or should be-similar. It is not that important that the player has fun, but rather that she has an interesting, challenging experience. Fun is secondary.
You could play, say, a very difficult game of chess and do not have fun in the traditional sense but rather enjoy the challenge. This apparent contradiction is similar to the one that happens with horror stories. By definition, fear is not pleasant, however we do “enjoy” horror films. Reading a dramatic story may not be fun, but it is a rewarding experience. I believe that with games the situation is –or should be-similar. It is not that important that the player has fun, but rather that she has an interesting, challenging experience. Fun is secondary.
