Wittgenstein on games

Unique games are difficult to find. Like films, games are often very similar sharing recognisable characteristics which are intentionally included in order to satisfy consumer choice.

This idea can relate to Wittgenstein's theory of family resemblance. He used this concept in order to illustrate how items can have 'overlapping resemblances' with one another (Virtual Philosopher Website). When relating this concept to the family he wanted us to recognise how there can often be 'various resemblances' between the members of a family (Philosophical Investigations Website). These similarities however do not have to be shared by an entire family, but rather that each member may resemble another. In this sense it could be argued a persons genetic makeup is composed to make them appear individual when in fact they are not, since one aspect of their being is similar to some one else in their family. For example, I share the same eye colour as my dad even though we do not look alike.

His complex theory can also be useful for understanding how games can share similar trates without being classified in the same genre, or even seem remotely alike. 'The Sims' and 'Grand Theft Auto' are an example of such games. These two games could not appear to be more opposite. One focuses on family cohesion, and the other on ruthlessly homicidal and illegal behavior. However, despite the many dissimilar aspects a common resemblance can be recognised with the fact that both are concerned with the pursuit of material gain. Although this wealth within the games may be acquired in very different ways this feature is still apparent in both. This is not to say however that all games are unanimously united by a set of rules, but rather that elements in one game are likely to be exhibited in another.

Another recognisable feature shared by both is the quest for status. In 'The Sims' this status is achieved through establishing and progressively working on healthy relationships with others. By working hard in your profession status is also obtained, where power and wealth are coherently linked with the outcome of a higher status. In 'Grand Theft Auto' on the other hand, status is gained through the more illegal activity you participate in. The more enemies you create the higher your status, where in this game being feared generally results with the outcome of a more powerful stance. However, wealth is important for both in relation to status where the more money you have the more recognised you become. This characteristic of status elicit in both games is able to further exemplify the idea of 'overlapping resemblance' (Virtual Philosopher Website). Features within a game may be shared by many and it is naive to believe that a game can be uniquely individual.

Perhaps this plural view can be applied to wider issues. For example it can be recognised how almost everything shares a similarity with something else. The mass media are a prime example, where films are able to demonstrate how it is almost impossible to find a text which does not have single distinguishable element that has not been seen before. Wittgenstein's theory is therefore very much in tune with the dynamics of our modern day society, and is useful since it can be applied to almost all items and issues.

.Virtual Philosopher Website. Retrieved on 9th febuary 2006: http://negeluarburton.typepad.com/virtualphilosopher/2006/09/wittgenstein_fa.html
.Philosophical Investigations Website. Retrieved on 9th Febuary 2006: http://users.rcn.com/rathbone/lw65-69c.htm