I have no words, I must design

Another article we were asked to read was called 'I have no words, I must design' written by Greg Costikyan.
Where he claims 'A game is an interactive structure of endogenous meaning that requires players to struggle towards goals'.

From reading this, i managed to pull out key elements he believed essential for games. These are the parts I managed to pull out that are of more significance:

Interaction

• A choice with an outcome or purpose
• Achieving an outcome
• The player has to have some control over a game state
• Personal interpretation
• Choices make the game unique

Goals

• Interaction isn't enough
• Must have objectives
• Giving a reason to achieve goals
• You can create your own goals

Struggle

• Something to overcome
• A way to improve
• Adding competition to games

Structure

• Shapes the game
• Creates a sense of player behaviour
• No longer random
• Adding rules

Endogenous Meaning

• Things that are meaningful within the game e.g. monopoly money is worthless in the real world, however it is the most valuable object withing the game.

These notes may no mean alot to readers who havent read the article, but for all those who have, these elements can be considered incredibly important.