James Paul Gee is an American researcher who has written extensively on language, literacy, and learning. In his book "What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy," he defines a game as a "problem-solving activity, approached with a playful attitude." He argues that games are fundamentally about learning and problem-solving, and that they offer players a safe space to take risks, experiment, and learn from failure.
According to Gee, games encourage "model-based reasoning," which is a way of thinking that involves creating mental models of complex systems and using these models to make predictions and solve problems. In games, players must develop mental models of the game's mechanics, rules, and challenges in order to succeed. They must learn to anticipate the consequences of their actions, make strategic decisions, and adjust their approach based on feedback from the game. This kind of model-based reasoning is a valuable skill that can be applied to many other domains, such as science, engineering, and mathematics. By engaging in model-based reasoning through games, players develop their problem-solving skills and learn to think more abstractly about complex systems.