There are many examples of interactive applications or real-world situations that seem like games to some people but to many others are not games. They usually have a mechanical component similar to (or even intended to be regarded as) a game. Yet they lack an apparent loop-based dynamic system and are not believably winnable. Usually they are created with a different purpose in mind. Collectively they could be described as gamelikes.
The term "gamelike" is deliberately fuzzy, encompassing everything from gamification to notgames or simulators. It is also contentious because in some circles the definition of game is political and more about identity and value judgement (see the work of designer Anna Anthropy for more). Depending on the audience it's sometimes easier to distinguish between game and gamelike, whereas at others it's easier to label all such applications as games and instead make sub-distinctions such as "formal game".
