The Basic Classification Method of Roger Caillois

For much more information, see his seminal text on "Man, Play, and Games."


Agon – Competition

• Games built on rivalry where players seek to vanquish their opponents.
• Either physical or intellectual skill is needed to assure success.
• The winner is often deemed to be “better” than his opponent.
• Equal chances of winning are important, occasionally leading to handicaps.
• Requires sustained attention, appropriate training and a desire to win.
• Conflict is confined to the arena of play.
• Players must rely on themselves and take responsibility for the outcome.

Alea – Destiny and Chance
• Name is Latin; stems from a game of dice.
• Player seeks the favour of destiny… or complete disgrace.
• No real skill is needed – the outcome of any game is independent of the player.
• Training is only marginally helpful.
• Players rely on everything BUT themselves and have little say in the outcome.
• Equal chances of winning are important… though often with handicaps.

Mimicry – Illusion
• Mutual, shared and temporary acceptance of an agreeable illusion.
• Mimicry explains fan identification with “heroes” – think of fans watching a key element of the “big game”. This takes the energy of agon and redefines it.
• Theatre is mimicry at its most evolved form: the actor must fascinate the audience while avoiding any error that might break the spell. This needs a good dose of ludus.
• When you leave the stage, you leave the character behind.

Ilinx – Vertigo
• Momentarily destroy the stability of one’s perception and induce a partial panic.
• May be something innocent like childhood games; may be more ritualistic like the Whirling Dervishes or the Mexican voladores.
• In its negative, destructive and extreme forms, can take the form of pointless destruction, fraternity hazing or worse.