How do games function as a unique medium for the expression and exploration of human agency? C. Thi Nguyen, a philosopher specializing in the aesthetics of games, argues that games are not merely interactive entertainment but are instead a distinct art form that works by manipulating the player's agency. By analyzing the structure of game rules and the experience of play, the author provides a framework for understanding how games allow players to inhabit different modes of decision-making and value systems.

Experts in game studies and philosophy frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the aesthetic value of games. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which requires a background in philosophical inquiry to fully grasp the arguments presented.