The video captures the early 80s aesthetic, blending a driving, rhythmic groove with a "psychological chess match" feel that mirrors the tension of the lyrics. Technical Innovation
Alan Parsons has noted that the song was heavily influenced by the duo's time living near the Monte Carlo Casino . It portrays personal and romantic entanglements as high-stakes gambles where truth is often sacrificed for the "win". The video captures the early 80s aesthetic, blending
Unlike many of their tracks which featured Eric Woolfson on vocals, this high-tempo rock song is fronted by Lenny Zakatek . Zakatek delivers an energetic performance alongside consistent session players like Ian Bairnson (guitar) and Stuart Elliott (drums). Unlike many of their tracks which featured Eric
The Official HD Music Video highlights the group’s unique dynamic as a studio-focused project: This contributed to the "lush sound" and distinctive
True to the Project’s reputation for high-fidelity production, the song utilized a —a custom-built instrument similar to a Mellotron that used tape loops to play back samples. This contributed to the "lush sound" and distinctive keyboard hook that propelled the song to #16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The title was directly inspired by psychiatrist Eric Berne’s 1964 book, Games People Play , which explores the subconscious strategies people use to manipulate others to get what they want.