This article provides conceptualizations of play as a learning and survival behavior and presents findings of a study of the use of games with mentally retarded adults. In this study the aim was to describe both how therapists can use games as therapeutic media and how changes can be observed in the subjects. The study identifies a number of therapeutic strategies that did enhance the play of the subjects. Along with increases in play, improvement in motor behavior, cognitive abilities, affect, attention, self-confidence, and social interaction was observed.