Solo Play: Game or Toy?

I had an epiphany about toys and games that helped frame my approach to solo play.

Toys and games are similar, but how you play with them is different.

Games

Games are structured forms of play. They have a set of rules, objectives, and often a clear endpoint or way to determine a winner. The rules and objectives of a game guide your actions.

Games usually require the players to competitively or collaboratively achieve some set criteria through a combination of strategy, skill, or luck. There is usually some kind of winning or losing scenario.

Toys

Toys are open-ended. A toy doesn't impose rules or a definitive end goal; it is a medium for creative expression through imagination. Take LEGO as an example; while yes, kits do come with instructions, blocks can be arranged in a near-infinite number of ways. And you can use the same blocks over and over to create hundreds of imaginary scenes.

Toys can be used solo or cooperatively, but either way, the emphasis is on the experience itself rather than achieving a specific outcome. When children play with dolls, they create stories. There is no 'winning' or 'losing' scenario.

Comparisons

Similar to games, group play (or more specifically, GM-guided play) has rules, a defined structure, mostly clear objectives, and winning and losing scenarios.

Solo play (or GM-less play) is open-ended, and while it has 'instructions' to guide play, these can be disregarded if the players choose. It relies heavily on player imagination and creative expression. There aren't any inherent 'winning' or 'losing' scenarios.

This comparison isn't perfect; there are game-like elements in solo play and toy-like elements in group play.

That said, the comparison is useful when thinking about your approach to solo play.