In Western societies, television has transformed the life, culture, and points of reference of the child. Its particular sphere of influence is the child's play culture. This play culture is not hermetic: it is very oriented toward manipulation; has a symbolic role as a representational medium; evolves along with the child; has a certain amount of autonomy; and is stratified, compartmentalized, and absorbed into the general culture which the child belongs to. Television provides children with material for games through its fictional inventions and the diverse images it presents. Television has become the main supplier of play material. In no way does television stand in the way of play. Instead, it fosters, influences, and structures play. At the same time, play allows the child to adapt certain television material to his or her own requirements. Children's games are partly determined by the objects children have at their disposal. Through commercials, the child discovers both play objects and play situations. The development of television commercials has therefore considerably influenced the development of toys. This does not mean that the child's play culture is wholly determined by television. There is no apparent contradiction between traditional games and those provided by television. (RH)