This document compares characteristics of games and game play across several frameworks put forth by different scholars including Sutton-Smith, Abt, Huizinga, Caillois, Suits, Crawford, Costikyan, and Fullerton. It examines whether each framework considers games to have rules, involve conflict/contest, be goal or outcome oriented, constitute an activity/process/event, involve decision making, or not serve an external purpose.

1. Sutton-
Parlett Abt Huizinga Caillois Suits Crawford Costikyan S Z Fullerton
Smith
Has rules √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Conflict or contest √ √ √ √ √
Goal oriented/outcome
√ √ √ √ √ √ √
oriented
Acitivity, process or
√ √ √ √
event
Involves descision
√