Interactivity = Creativity

So TV doesn't require and decision making on the part of the viewer. This isn't interactive (in what I understand is the most common opinion of interactivity). In-game cinematics are often criticised from a design point of view - in our media, interaction is key, so any non-interactive element detracts from the essence of the form. It is argued that interactive media is fundamentally more important than non, but that is a moot point for this post.

So then if TV/film is non-interactive because it involves no impact on the part of the user, the most interactive game would be that that offers the greatest potential for diversity of player driven affect.

Now, we're seeing a trend develop in some newer, more original games, called 'sandbox' play. A method of design that offers players a set of tools to use, and manipulate creatively for their own personal goals - tailored for and by the user, unlike the traditional rigid objective style we're used to. SimCity has an element of sandbox play, Spore, The Movies, The Sims and even Dungeon Keeper all to varying extents offer sandbox elements. They all offer more freedom than usual towards an often distant aspirational goal.

But what is 'sandbox'? It looks to me like it's the design intention to cultivate player creativity. The more choices available to the player, the more creatively decisive input is required. If that is the case, what would be the purest example of this form? The maximum emphasis on player creativity? And in turn, wouldn't that also be the most interactive game?

I'm sure when The Movies hits the shelves, some people will be disappointed in the lack of complete freedom in the film construction element of the creation/management sim. So why not have a game based entirely around virtual filmmaking? Perhaps with integrated online submission/distribution/viewing systems, ratings, competitions, ladders etc etc? Sounds like the ultimate sandbox example to me. But wait, these systems already exist - level design game? Hammer or UnrealEd. Film editing game? Final Cut Pro. Music making simulator? Cubase. Are these programs (never yet described as games) actually the criterion of sandbox design and therefore, the epitome of interactivity?