Games need either a new definition, or a new label. I would define it as some kind of virtual world that is a "closed system" in that the reward is attainable b

Games need either a new definition, or a new label. I would define it as some kind of virtual world that is a "closed system" in that the reward is attainable by playing through the game ONLY. Whether the reward is items, gold, the next chapter in the story, it should be something that can only be reached with skill and to a lesser extent time. Chess is a game, and Tetris is a game, but slot machines are not. Whether we use that word or not, making that distinction would be useful for developers to target the right market, and for players to know what they should expect. When you introduce an equivalence between time playing and money, it is no longer the same product. Imagine a version of chess that allows you to buy pieces mid-game. It defeats the whole purpose of solving a puzzle, overcoming a challenge, and being rewarded by acquiring skill.