In essence, games are the only universally serious activity. They leave no room for skepticism, wouldn't you agree? However incredulous or doubting you might be, if you want to play, you have no choice but to follow the rules. Only the person who respects the rules, or at least knows and applies them, can win. Reading a book is the same: you have to accept the plot and the characters to enjoy the story.
Games represent a unique form of serious engagement that transcends doubt and skepticism. When participating, players must adhere to established rules, which creates a framework for enjoyment and competition. It suggests that one cannot easily dismiss the experience; instead, commitment to the rules is necessary for successful play. This concept parallels the act of reading, where readers must immerse themselves in the plot and accept the narrative's premises to fully appreciate the story being told.
This illustrates that both games and novels require a level of acceptance and involvement from participants. Whether in gaming or literature, recognizing and valuing the structure allows individuals to connect more deeply with the experience. The emphasis on rule-following in both contexts highlights how structured activities, whether through play or reading, foster engagement and enjoyment, grounding us in a shared reality that demands our full attention.
