Straw Tower - Meaningful Play

In Game Design, we were all assigned to build the tallest straw tower that could stand for at least 3 seconds. The class was divided into multiple groups and were given a box of straws and tape. After being given this exercise we were to conclude whether or not if straw tower building is considered meaningful play or not. The word "meaningful" in the text describes it as something that is "more about the emotional and psychological experience of inhabiting a well-designed system of play" that is both "discernable and integrated." From this definition alone one can pull may reasons as to why our straw tower would be considered meaningful play. Let's start off with the "discernable" aspect of meaningful play. Discernable is defined as something in which "the game action is communicated to the player in a perceivable way." In other words, there must be a genuine GOAL. At the beginning of our tower building, Monica made it very clear that our goal was to build the tallest tower that must stand for at least three seconds. With the basic structure given to us, we were able to conclude what needed to be done and different options/obstacles to obtain this goal. The second part of meaningful play is the "integrated" aspect of the game. This means that the "relationship between action and outcome is integrated into the larger context of the game." Basically, each decision that is made throughout the process of this competition directly affects whether we would come out winning or losing. A + B = C. If we put all of the straws together + tape to hold them together = tower getting taller (and ultimately winning). Each type of "game" requires different forms or examples of what would be considered discernable or integrated, but ultimately as long as the pieces fit together into these definitions, it is, in my opinion (as supported by the book), meaningful play.