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Homo Ludens

A Study of the Play-Element in Culture

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About this listen

"An essential reference for all game designers, this 1938 classic is “a fascinating account of ‘man the player’ and the contribution of play to civilization” (Harper’s)

In this classic evaluation of play that has become a “must-listen” for those in game design, Dutch philosopher Johan Huizinga defines play as the central activity in flourishing societies. Like civilization, play requires structure and participants willing to create within limits. Starting with Plato, Huizinga traces the contribution of Homo Ludens, or “man the player” through medieval times, the Renaissance, and into our modern civilization. Huizinga defines play against a rich theoretical background, using cross-cultural examples from the humanities, business, and politics. Homo Ludens defines play for generations to come.

©1949 Johan Huizinga (P)2022 Licensing Management, Inc. Anthropology Philosophy Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Psychology & Interactions Society Game Classics
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Great insightful theory of the influence of play - enhanced my understanding a very great deal

Play explained as a function of culture

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This book goes quite deep into play from multiple perspectives including historical, society, psychology, and what it is to be human.
I found it really interesting to go that deep into play, and it led me to think and to become much more aware of the prevalence of play in human behaviour, culture, and society.
I’m not sure what I have taken from it yet, but I will keep thinking and observing.

Deep dive into the form and significance of play

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amazing book, yet the recording is poorly done, you can hear the pop sound of every P & B !!! I guess they could have made use of a pop-filter on the microphone or mastered the voice better. very disappointed from the voice recording, very hard to hear with this issue:(

poorly recorded.

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