Games matter because games don't matter, says a philosopher
Philosopher C. Thi Nguyen argues that the value of games lies in their arbitrary scoring systems, which allow for freedom and creativity. In contrast, he critiques metrics-driven systems that disguise their arbitrary nature as legitimate, leading to oppressive outcomes. Nguyen encourages embracing diverse interests and stepping away from rigid networking mindsets.
- ▪C. Thi Nguyen's book, The Score, discusses the significance of arbitrary scoring in games.
- ▪Nguyen believes that good games allow players to walk away freely, unlike oppressive metrics in society.
- ▪David Runciman highlights the dual nature of games, where arbitrary rules can be both liberating and stifling.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Games matter because games don't matter, says a philosopher Ellsworth Toohey 5:22 pm Thu May 28, 2026 In bridge, a heart trick earns 30 points while a club trick earns 20, numbers that mean nothing outside of the game. That's the whole point, argues philosopher C. Thi Nguyen in his book The Score. Good games use an arbitrary scoring system as a means to an end and never pretend the score means anything on its own. Nguyen's slogan: "Games matter because games don't matter." Bad games do the reverse. Credit scores, university league tables, and the clicks-and-minutes metrics that data harvesters chase all dress their arbitrary numbers up as legitimate, hide the seams, and trap you with the sunk-cost fallacy. A good game is voluntary and lets you walk away.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Boing Boing.
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