The journal emerged from conversations between a professor of playful learning, Pat Broadhead (Leeds Metropolitan University), and Katie Peace at Taylor and Francis at an early-years education conference in the UK.

Elizabeth Wood and David Whitebread joined the discussions along with Michael Patte (formerly president of The Association for the Study of Play), who was visiting Leeds on a Fulbright scholarship at the time.

The Association for the Study of Play (TASP) adopted the journal, supporting it through membership subscriptions.

[2] The International Journal of Play publishes research reports, theoretical reviews and position papers, policy critiques, essays, memoir, and book reviews.

It has a section titled The State of Play, where playworkers, other practitioners, and scholars reflect on current perspectives and future possibilities, and Books Worth (Re)Reading, which explores classic and overlooked books about play.