DETERMINISM

The extent to which a game’s resolution or conclusion is predictable, based on player actions. A deterministic game, such as chess, has strict rules which govern the outcome. A non-deterministic game, including any sport where physical action is important, would lead to chaotic outcomes.

“Any game with a story that has a single, universal ending point–Halo, Far Cry, Monkey Island–can be broadly said to be deterministic, as the player’s actions will always lead to a predictable outcome, regardless of the path they take to get there.”