Social Media + Society

The Failure of Play

2026-03-31

In this essay, I argue that the ludification of culture should be considered as an overall failure. The effects of (digital) play in culture and society have been largely negative, a fact that game studies and media studies have only partially assumed. While there are many positive aspects to play and games in society, it may be time to rethink the importance we give to the ludic in information societies.

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DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051261433506