I’m asking in terms of crafted, interactive activities that aren’t necessarily aiming to be fun. Say a little more serious or dry, but still interesting, thought-provoking, and emotionally compelling.
Immersive entertainment. Disney does it well, as do many camps.
I was gonna just respond with “entertainment”, but yours is probably better
Lots actually.
Playing house (if you’re 4), larping (if you’re older), table top games, D&D, pretend play etc. Basically all sorts is children’s playing and having fun in the backyard should also qualify even though the structure can be very loose.
I knew I forgot something, sorry…I’m asking in terms of crafted, interactive activities that aren’t necessarily aiming to be fun. More like a little dry but still interesting and thought-provoking.
Museums?
Or like some exhibits in a museum, but also media like Flower. It’s called a video game, but I feel like that’s for lack of a better term more than anything. It’s lovely whatever you may call it.
called a video game, but I feel like that’s for lack of a better term
Its the perfect term for it, your definition of “game” is likely incomplete:
A game is a structured type of play, usually undertaken for entertainment or fun, and sometimes used as an educational tool
Note that it’s usually for fun, but does not need to be. Flower is a game by that definition. ETA: I also actually had fun playing Flower on my Vita back when it was new so…
Adding “video” to it is probably the weaker part of the phrase, “digital” is probably more accurate but I doubt people are going to change terminology like that for something so minor
Some psychologists also use D&D for therapy purposes. It allows the patient to experience a variety of situations, explore their feelings, practice new skills etc.
I think historical re-enactments could also qualify.
“Interactive experiences” as pretentious as it sounds, seems to be the the matching general term. Asside from that, simulation, educator, or something like, “interactive video” might apply.
An imagineer.
I’m not sure if that’s right, but you can use it.
Interactive Entertainment? Interactive Experience?
Not sure if there is a catch-all term that encompassed everything, but these seem broader than games.
Visual novels, and interactive fiction come to mind as things that are video game adjacent but aren’t necessarily games. Most of the first category I’ve encountered are either porn, horror, or… both – though they can be about anything the author wants to write about, of course, and the relative accessibility of the medium means people have pushed it in a lot of directions even though it’s kind of niche.
Interactive fiction includes things like text adventures and choose-your-own-adventure books. Most of the computer-based ones I’ve encountered involve traversing a node-graph of locations, manipulating items, and solving puzzles – though the gaminess varies a lot depending on the specific title. They’re even more niche nowadays, but people still make and play/read them.
It depends on what it is.
Role playing games are often such a form of entertainment.
I’d be surprised if that wasn’t what prompted the question to begin with.
Calling them “games” paints a certain picture that TTRPGs don’t exactly fit in. Someone who might be up for a game, may not enjoy RPGs, and vice versa.
There really should be another word.
That disconnect in expectations is definitely what I had in mind in asking this, yeah. One hears game, thinks fun, it doesn’t fit their idea of fun, and the game unintentionally disappoints in the process.
Sports?
I’ve been thinking about this recently. Video Game is becoming such a broad term as technology progresses, and the number of people engaging with them is exploding. I expect, soon, we’ll see distinct interactive arts defining themselves. For now, interactive art is what I’m going with
art installation?
Go to scholar.google.com and look up the following, to see if it’s what you’re looking for:
- training simulations
- serious games
- interactive exhibits
Try model painting.
Railway modelling/model railroading?
puppet shows
Maybe puzzles? I’m not sure whether that’s what you’re going for, but it could fit.
