Ilinx is a kind of play, described by sociologist Roger Caillois, a major figure in game studies. Ilinx creates a temporary disruption of perception, as with vertigo, dizziness, or disorienting changes in direction of movement.
Caillois developed the concept of ilinx. [1] : 97
Caillois identified several categories of play in Les Jeux et Les Hommes (English title: Man, Play, and Games ) [1] : 97 Among these is ilinx, which describes the playfully altered perception or "voluptuous panic" resulting when a person subjects themself to abrupt "spasm, seizure, or shock which destroys reality with sovereign business." [1] : 97
Caillois's other categories, which should be considered alongside ilinx as any form of play rarely fits wholly and discretely into one category, are agon, (competition), alea (chance) and mimesis ("mimicry"). [1] : 97
Caillois uses the ilinx to describe the objective of a child who spins around in a circle to become dizzy. [1] : 97
Bungee jumping is an example of the experience of ilinx. [1] : 97