An endurance game is a

game A game is a structured form of play (activity), play, usually undertaken for enjoyment, entertainment or fun, and sometimes used as an educational tool. Many games are also considered to be work (such as professional players of spectator s ...

where the object is to last as long as possible under some sort of stress. The stress might be

physical pain Pain is a distressing feeling often caused by intense or damaging stimuli. The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, ...

, fear, social embarrassment or any other negative sensation. The important distinguishing feature of endurance games is that the object is to outlast one's opponents, rather than outdo them in any test of skill. Endurance games are common in schoolyards, as they provide a way for children to establish a pecking-order based on toughness. They are also a feature of

hazing Hazing (American English), initiation, beasting (British English), bastardisation (Australian English), ragging (South Asian English) or deposition refers to any activity expected of someone in joining or participating in a group that humiliates, ...

rituals in institutions where hazing is common. One playing an endurance game grants consent to other players' possible harm to oneself. One child justified hurting others during games which require one to do so, saying, "If they know the game then they know what's going to happen." Among the Inuit, endurance games, "stress the body and test the limits of the individual's psychological and physical endurance," thereby helping, along with other games, to, "prepare children for the rigors of the arctic environment by stressing hand-eye coordination, problem solving, and physical strength and endurance." Nanda, Serena and Warms, Richard L. (2013). ''Cultural Anthropology'', p.55-6. 11th edition. Cengage Learning. .

Examples

Ethnic games

Ear pull The ear pull is a traditional Inuit game or sport which tests the competitors' ability to endure pain, and also strength. In the ear pull, two competitors sit facing each other, their legs straddled and interlocked. A two-foot-long loop of strin ...

ing, an Inuit sport

Electric games

* PainStation * Shocking Duel

Television

There have been a number of

gameshow A game show is a genre of broadcast viewing entertainment (radio, television, internet, stage or other) where contestants compete for a reward. These programs can either be participatory or demonstrative and are typically directed by a host, sh ...

s or

reality shows Reality television is a genre of television programming that documents purportedly unscripted real-life situations, often starring unfamiliar people rather than professional actors. Reality television emerged as a distinct genre in the early 19 ...

which have included tests of endurance. This style of gameshow was pioneered in Japan such as ''

Za Gaman is a Japanese television program from the 1980s. It is not particularly well-known or remembered in Japan, but it became famous in other countries, particularly the United Kingdom. This is likely due to its appearance on the British televisi ...

'' — "The Endurance" — and there are now several British and American shows which test the contestants in this way. *'' Balls of Steel'' *'' Banzai'' *''

Distraction Distraction is the process of diverting the attention of an individual or group from a desired area of focus and thereby blocking or diminishing the reception of desired information. Distraction is caused by: the lack of ability to pay attention ...

'' *''

Fear Factor ''Fear Factor'' is an American stunt/ dare game show that first aired on NBC from 2001 to 2006 and was initially hosted by comedian and UFC commentator Joe Rogan. The show was adapted by Endemol USA from the original Dutch series titled ''Now or ...

'' *'' I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!'' *'' Survivor'' *''

Touch the Truck ''Touch the Truck'' was a British Channel 5 endurance gameshow which aired in March 2001. It was hosted by Dale Winton and involved a group of 20 contestants holding onto a stationary truck. The last person left touching the truck — a Toyota ...

'' *''

Film

Never Say Never Again ''Never Say Never Again'' is a 1983 spy film directed by Irvin Kershner. The film is based on the 1961 James Bond novel '' Thunderball'' by Ian Fleming, which in turn was based on an original story by Kevin McClory, Jack Whittingham, and Flemi ...

, James Bond is successful in defeating Maximillian Largo at an electric shock arcade game, ''Domination'', similar to Shocking Duel, so he can pass word to Largo's mistress Domino Petachi that her brother Jack was murdered.

References

Notes Citations Sources * * * *

External links

*{{Commonscatinline, Endurance sports Pain