Philippine E-Journals

The Ugly Truth: A Game of Different Sorts

Lourdes D. Ignacio

 

Abstract:

Based on common notions, a game usually has players or actors. It is an activity that’s either mental or physical; it has rules which may be written or implied; someone wins and someone loses; in case of deadlock, one player has to prevail after he/she surpasses another hurdle toward victory. 

What else makes a game a game? It must be enjoyed, savored and relished to a certain degree so that win or lose, at least one has wholeheartedly participated in it. A game despite its recreational nature demands a sportsmanlike attitude from its players; otherwise, the honor and pride it brings to the victor is undermined by a sore and sour behavior displayed by the loser. Thus, griping over how it was played by one’s opponent might be misconstrued by others as being “not game about it.” There really is a “serious, dignified and honorable” mentality about games.