Seriousness is always related to roles or abstractions. Seriousness always has to do with an established script, an ordering of affairs completed somewhere outside the range of our influence. We are playful when we engage others at the level of choice, when there is no telling where our relationship with them will come out - when in fact no one has an outcome to be imposed on the relationship, apart from the decision to continue it. (Carse, Finite and Infinite Games, p. 19)
The infinite player tends to relate with a dash of serious abandon. The finite player relates with serious purpose and to require a purpose is to be a serious player. Purpose often demands actions be performed, rather than spontaneously unfolded. In fact, for the finite player, spontaneity is seriously avoided.
Unscripted interactions may generate anxiety (fear), since responses cannot be predicted and thus prepared for and most of our relationships are dances choreographed well ahead of time.
Finite players stick to the script, not necessarily because they don't trust others, but because they don't trust themselves.
It is not so much you're breaking from the script that unnerves the finite player, but more about how the finite player can return to the script following your break. Finite players do not like surprise and thus, rely on outcomes to determine the rules of play. Finite players require outcomes be clear and, as such, seek out finite games in which a players role is clearly defined so that an outcome may be determined in advance and prepared for.
Infinite players, on the other hand, can follow the script and often do so, but not seriously. They do not fear impromptu performing and can leave the script only to return and leave again. They are not bound to the script and so, although they can follow scripted play, are delighted by breaks from the script. In that way, they do not take the script seriously.
Infinite players love roles that are not clear and determined, thereby, allowing for "surprise."
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