The Toy Lens: Breaking Down Video Games into Real-Life Fun

Video games, at their core, share a fundamental similarity with physical toys, providing simple, engaging activities built on mechanics like movement, physics, combat, building, and role-playing. Games like Super Mario Bros., Portal, and Minecraft succeed because they tap into timeless forms of play, such as navigating spaces, solving physics-based puzzles, and constructing worlds. These toy-like elements in games resonate deeply with players, satisfying innate desires for creativity, challenge, and interaction.