"Playing Games" is a song by American singer Summer Walker from her debut studio album, Over It (2019). The song was released as the lead single from the album on August 23, 2019. The extended version features guest vocals from American singer Bryson Tiller. The song samples Destiny's Child's song "Say My Name" (1999).
Critical reception Alphonse Pierre of Pitchfork said that, in the song, Walker "addresses the lame dudes that continue to take their passion for granted" while not acknowledging "their relationship on Instagram". The Fader named it one of the best songs on Over It, reasoning their choice by stating that the chorus is a "full interpolation of one of Destiny’s Child’s most ubiquitous preachings" despite Walker not "phoning it in" and compared it to an old Nelly song.
Music video The music video was released on October 8, 2019, and was directed by Christine Yuan. Despite being featured on the extended version of the song, Bryson Tiller does not appear in the clip. The video features shots of Walker sitting and lying on a bed surrounded by bright city lights in the backdrop. During the video, Walker has one man tied up and hanging from the ceiling while another one is seen being confined to a chair. Being fed-up with lies, Walker goes on to ignore a man bringing them flowers and apologizing.
Charts Weekly charts Original version Chart (2019) Peakposition Australia (ARIA) 83 Canada (Canadian Hot 100) 43 Ireland (IRMA) 76 New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) 20 US Billboard Hot 100 16 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) 9 US Rhythmic (Billboard) 37 US Rolling Stone Top 100 36
Extended version Chart (2019) Peakposition New Zealand Hot Singles (Recorded Music NZ) 15 US Rolling Stone Top 100 10
Year-end charts Original version Chart (2019) Position US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) 75 Chart (2020) Position US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) 64
Certifications
Release history + Release history and formats for "Playing Games" Country Date Format Label Various August 23, 2019 United States October 1, 2019 Rhythmic contemporary radio References