Yes, I believe Conflict and Discovery describes the game-play of most early fantasy role-playing games and many current ones. The game we all play is about imaginary conflict and discovery, whether that is a melee with monsters or a social or legal conflict that resolves itself through the presentation of evidence supporting a position. The discovery can happen in many ways as our characters explore the world/setting and uncover new species, forgotten ruins, hidden secrets and clues to a mystery. Whether we are uncovering a plot against the establishment or filling our pockets with liberated treasure, it can all be thrilling adventure that whisks us away from our everyday lives and allows us for a moment to experience the joy of a triumph.
Conflict adds tension and excitement to the game. Conflict can be social or legal in nature. Some games such as The Burning Wheel offer specific mechanics to deal with changing an NPC's mind or successfully arguing a case in court. Conflict can be a source of challenge for players as they develop strategies to win the conflict. Winning feels good, even if it is expected, but especially if the challenge was difficult.
Discovery adds wonder to the game. Being pleasantly surprised is entertaining. Being unpleasantly surprised, while under no actual threat, can also be entertaining. Threatening a character is way different from threatening the player and this is an important distinction. People enjoy horror movies because it is all make believe. The audience is in no real danger, but our minds can suspend disbelief and we can be "scared" for the people on screen.
Adventure games which are set in our imagination serve much the same purpose as children playing at make believe. It is a way we can explore what might be, what could happen if this were true. We can learn things about the real world and discover things about ourselves, all while enjoying some entertainment. It is different from reading a book or watching a film because we have more control over where it takes us. And it exercises our imagination and expands our capacity for creative thinking.
"You need to believe in things which aren't true. How else can they become?" - Terry Pratchett
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