Players are essential to games as they provide the reason for a game's existence. When designing a game, considerations must be given to the number of players required or supported, as well as whether players have different roles or interact through competition, cooperation, or both. Games can be designed for a specific number of players or a variable number, and player interaction patterns include single player versus game, multiple players versus game, player versus player, and various forms of competition and cooperation between players.

1. Formal Elements - Players