Finite & Infinite Games

“A finite game is played for the purpose of winning, an infinite game for the purpose of continuing the play. -James P. Carse, book Finite and Infinite Games: A Vision of Life as Play and Possibility

A finite game is one bounded by rules and time. Think of your favorite sporting event for example. Whoever has the most points at the end of the set period wins. To win is the purpose of the game.

An infinite game is boundless. Wins, losses and keeping score do not matter. The purpose of the games is to just keep playing.

Can you turn your passion project into an infinite game? Sure, there might be finite games/measuring sticks along the way. But overall, as long as you get to keep playing, keep making, keep learning, keep growing…that’s the win.

Put another way…if you’re alive and are pursuing something you care deeply about, you won. Now, keep playing.

P.S. – Can you guess what movie the above image is from?