We owe a lot to play: culture, creativity, joy of life. From the lottery to mobile game apps and competitive sports, there are countless ways today to indulge our playful instincts. Norbert Bolz vividly illustrates the various types of games—both popular and controversial—and their mostly positive effects on us. He demonstrates why football, gambling, and social games empower us. New developments like the phenomenon of gamification—solving real problems by transforming them into games—highlight why play is so vital. "Those who do not play are sick" offers a unique insight into the mysterious world of play and shows how fascinating and irreplaceable it is for each individual.