Here is a glossary of video game terms starting with "A - Z". Please note that for some terms, the direct link might not exist, so we've provided links to related concepts or pages where these terms are discussed.
Glossary of 25 video game terms beginning with the letter "A" and listed alphabetically and with a 2 sentence description, and a web url link in text format with link.
Achievement - Achievement (video games)
oAchievements are digital awards players earn for completing specific tasks or reaching milestones in games. They vary from simple tasks like finishing a level to more complex challenges, enhancing player engagement and replayability.
Action Game - Action game
oAction games focus on physical challenges, requiring quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and often involve combat or platforming. This genre includes sub-genres like shooters, fighting games, and action-adventures, emphasizing real-time gameplay.
Adventure Game - Adventure game
oAdventure games prioritize storytelling, puzzle-solving, and exploration over action. Players typically control a character through narrative-driven scenarios, interacting with environments to progress the story.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) - Artificial intelligence in video games
oAI in video games refers to the programming that simulates intelligent behavior in NPCs or game systems. It can range from simple pathfinding algorithms to complex decision-making processes that adapt to player behavior.
Alpha - Alpha (game development)
oAn alpha version of a game is an early, often incomplete build, primarily used for internal testing. It features core gameplay mechanics but might lack polished graphics, sounds, or additional content.
Animation - Animation in video games
oAnimation in video games brings characters and environments to life through movement. It includes character animations, special effects, and environmental changes to enhance the visual storytelling and gameplay experience.
Anti-Aliasing - Anti-aliasing
oAnti-aliasing is a technique used to smooth out jagged edges in graphics, improving visual quality. It reduces the appearance of pixelation, making game visuals appear more realistic and less blocky.
Arcade Game - Arcade game
oArcade games are designed for short, intense play sessions, often found in public arcades. They were originally coin-operated, focusing on high scores and immediate, engaging gameplay.
Area of Effect (AoE) - Area of effect
oAoE refers to attacks or abilities in games that impact multiple targets within a specified area. This mechanic is common in strategy, RPG, and action games to manage crowd control or deal with groups of enemies.
Artificial Life - Artificial life
oArtificial life in games simulates biological processes like evolution, reproduction, and adaptation within virtual worlds. It's used to create dynamic, evolving game environments or characters that behave in life-like ways.
Augmented Reality (AR) - Augmented reality in video games
oAR games overlay digital information on the real world, enhancing the physical environment with interactive game elements. This technology allows for unique gameplay experiences where real-world locations become part of the game.
Avatar - Avatar (computing)
oAn avatar is a player's digital representation in a game, allowing for personalization in appearance, skills, or backstory. In many games, players can customize their avatars to reflect their identity or preferred play style.
A.I. Dungeon Master - AI Dungeon Master
oAn AI Dungeon Master controls the game's narrative or world dynamics, much like a human Dungeon Master in tabletop RPGs. It uses AI to generate scenarios, challenges, or adapt the story based on player actions.
Asymmetric Gameplay - Asymmetric gameplay
oAsymmetric gameplay involves players with different objectives, abilities, or perspectives, creating a balanced yet diverse gaming experience. This can be seen in games where one player might defend while another attacks, or in cooperative games with unique roles.
Auto-Save - Auto-save
oAuto-save is an automatic game-saving feature that saves progress at predetermined points or events. It prevents loss of progress due to unexpected game closures or player mistakes, offering convenience and peace of mind.
Achievement Hunter - Achievement Hunter
oAn Achievement Hunter is a player or a group (like the media company) focused on completing game achievements. They often share strategies, speedruns, or unique approaches to unlock all possible in-game awards.
Action Point (AP) - Action Point
oIn turn-based games, Action Points are used to quantify how many actions a character can perform per turn. Players must strategize how to spend these points on moving, attacking, or using abilities.
Alternate Reality Game (ARG) - Alternate reality game
oARGs blend the real world with fictional elements, often involving puzzles, narrative, and community interaction that extend beyond traditional game boundaries. Players might solve real-world clues or participate in events to progress through the game's story.
Atari - Atari
oAtari is a legendary company in video game history, known for pioneering arcade and home console gaming. It's famous for titles like "Pong," "Asteroids," and the Atari 2600 console.
Audio Log - Audio log
oAudio Logs are recorded messages or diaries found within games that provide backstory, lore, or mission objectives. They offer an immersive way to convey narrative elements without direct interaction, often requiring players to explore to find them.
Ambient Sound - Ambient sound
oAmbient sound in games creates an atmospheric backdrop, simulating the sounds of the environment like wind, water, or city life. It contributes to the game's immersion by providing a sense of place and mood.
Aggro - Aggro
oAggro, short for aggression, refers to the system by which enemies decide whom to attack, often based on proximity or damage dealt. In MMOs, managing aggro is crucial for roles like tanks to protect more vulnerable party members.
Animation Canceling - Animation canceling
oAnimation canceling is a technique where players interrupt the end of an animation to execute another action sooner, speeding up combat or movement. It's used in many action games to optimize performance, particularly in fighting or action RPGs.
Accessibility Options - Accessibility in video games
oAccessibility options are adjustments or features in games that make them playable for people with disabilities. These can include subtitles, colorblind modes, remappable controls, or difficulty adjustments.
Adaptive Difficulty - Adaptive difficulty
oAdaptive difficulty adjusts the challenge of a game based on the player's performance, making the game easier or harder on-the-fly. This system aims to keep the game engaging for players of varied skill levels by providing a tailored experience.
Backstory - Backstory
oBackstory refers to the history or past events of characters, settings, or the world in a game. It enriches the narrative, providing depth to the characters' motivations and the game's universe.
Beta - Beta (game development)
oBeta is a pre-release version of a game, where most features are implemented but may still contain bugs or need balancing. It's often released to a broader audience for testing and feedback before the final launch.
Boss - Boss (video gaming)
oA boss is a powerful enemy in video games that typically concludes a level or section, presenting a significant challenge to the player. Defeating a boss often requires learning specific patterns, strategies, or exploiting weaknesses.
Buff - Buff (video gaming)
oA buff is a temporary enhancement to a character's abilities, stats, or attributes in a game. It can be applied through items, abilities, or environmental effects to provide advantages in combat or gameplay.
Bug - Software bug
oIn video games, a bug is an error, flaw, or fault that produces an incorrect or unintended result. Bugs can range from minor visual glitches to game-breaking issues affecting gameplay.
Bullet Hell - Bullet hell
oBullet Hell games are a sub-genre of shoot 'em up games characterized by an overwhelming number of enemy projectiles on screen. Players must navigate through dense patterns of bullets, requiring precise movement and timing.
Button Mashing - Button mashing
oButton mashing refers to rapidly pressing buttons without specific intent, often used in games where quick, repetitive actions are needed. While sometimes criticized for lacking skill, it can be strategic in certain contexts like quick-time events or fighting games.
Beat 'em up - Beat 'em up
oBeat 'em up games focus on hand-to-hand combat where the player fights through waves or levels of enemies. These games often feature side-scrolling action with a strong emphasis on melee combat.
Biome - Biome (video games)
oIn video games, a biome is a distinct area with specific environmental characteristics, like forests, deserts, or oceans. Each biome often has unique flora, fauna, resources, and sometimes unique mechanics or challenges.
Bleed - Bleed (video gaming)
oBleed is a status effect where a character takes damage over time, simulating blood loss or injury. It's a common mechanic in games to add complexity to combat by forcing players to manage ongoing damage.
Block - Block (video gaming)
oBlocking is a defensive mechanic where a player prevents or reduces damage from an attack by using a shield, parry, or defensive stance. It's crucial in games where timing and defense are as important as offense.
Bounty - Bounty (video gaming)
oA bounty in games can refer to a reward for defeating a specific enemy, completing a task, or achieving a goal. It often entices players to take on particular challenges or hunt down notorious characters.
Branching Storyline - Branching storyline
oA branching storyline allows player choices to influence the narrative's direction, potentially leading to multiple endings. This structure enhances replayability and gives players control over the story's development.
Bridge - Bridge (video gaming)
oIn game design, a bridge level or sequence serves as a transition between major sections or narrative points, often used to prepare players for new gameplay elements or challenges. It can also refer to literal bridges within games, which might be puzzles or obstacles.
Brute-Force - Brute-force (video gaming)
oBrute-force, in gaming, describes a strategy where success is achieved through overwhelming force or repetition rather than skill or strategy. It's often applied when discussing solutions to puzzles or combat scenarios.
Build - Build (video gaming)
oA build refers to the customization of a character's stats, skills, equipment, or abilities to create a specific playstyle or role. Players can optimize builds for different scenarios like PvP, PvE, or specific game content.
Bullet Time - Bullet Time
oBullet Time is a visual effect where time appears to slow down, allowing players to see high-speed actions in slow motion. This mechanic is often used to enhance the player's ability to react or aim in combat situations.
Bypass - Bypass (video gaming)
oBypassing in games can refer to circumventing puzzles, obstacles, or enemies through clever gameplay or exploits. It might involve finding alternative routes, using game mechanics in unintended ways, or skipping content altogether.
Brawler - Brawler
oA brawler is another term for beat 'em up games, where the focus is on close-quarters combat. These games emphasize physical confrontations, often with simple controls and arcade-style gameplay.
Burn - Burn (video gaming)
oBurn in games is a damage-over-time effect where a character or enemy is afflicted with ongoing fire damage. This status can alter combat strategies, as players might need to prioritize healing or extinguishing the effect.
Battle Royale - Battle royale game
oBattle Royale games involve many players competing in a shrinking play area until only one remains. This genre emphasizes survival, scavenging, and strategic combat in a last-man-standing scenario.
Boss Rush - Boss rush
oA boss rush is a game mode or level where players must consecutively fight multiple bosses without breaks. It tests the player's mastery over combat mechanics and boss patterns.
Backtracking - Backtracking (video gaming)
oBacktracking involves returning to previously explored areas, often to access new paths or collect items that were inaccessible before. It can be used to expand gameplay or encourage thorough exploration of the game world.
Buff Stack - Buff stack
oBuff stacking refers to the accumulation of multiple instances of the same buff to amplify its effect. Games might limit how many stacks can be applied or how they interact with one another.
Blink - Blink (video gaming)
oBlink is a short-range teleportation ability, often used for quick movement or evasion in combat. It provides strategic advantages by allowing players to quickly reposition or escape danger.
Character Class - Character class
oA character class defines a character's role, abilities, and playstyle within a game, often seen in RPGs. Classes like Warrior, Mage, or Rogue come with unique skill sets and gameplay mechanics.
Checkpoint - Checkpoint
oCheckpoints are points in a game where progress is automatically saved, allowing players to resume from that spot after failing. They're crucial for maintaining player progress without the need for manual saving, especially in difficult or long levels.
Cheat Code - Cheat code
oCheat codes are special inputs or commands that unlock features or advantages not normally accessible in gameplay. They can include infinite health, invincibility, or skipping levels, often used for testing or fun.
Co-op (Cooperative Gameplay) - Cooperative gameplay
oCo-op involves multiple players working together towards a common goal, enhancing the social and strategic aspects of gaming. This can range from simple teamwork in puzzles to complex coordination in survival or combat scenarios.
Control Scheme - Control scheme
oThe control scheme refers to how inputs from the player are mapped to actions in the game, differing across platforms or customizable. It's crucial for the game's feel, accessibility, and player comfort.
Crafting - Crafting (video gaming)
oCrafting allows players to create items, weapons, or resources using collected materials, enhancing gameplay depth and engagement. It often involves recipes, item rarity, and can be central to survival or building games.
Cut Scene - Cut scene
oA cut scene is a non-interactive sequence in a game, used to advance the plot, provide backstory, or set up gameplay scenarios. They can vary from pre-rendered videos to in-engine animations.
Collision Detection - Collision detection
oCollision detection is the game engine's ability to determine when two objects in the game world should interact or react to each other. It's vital for realistic physics, gameplay mechanics, and avoiding 'clipping' issues.
Campaign - Campaign (video gaming)
oA campaign is a series of connected levels or missions that together form the main storyline or mode of a game. It usually offers a structured narrative experience with progression through various objectives or chapters.
Critical Hit - Critical hit
oA critical hit is an attack that deals significantly more damage than normal, often with a chance-based occurrence. It adds randomness and excitement to combat systems by rewarding players with higher damage outputs occasionally.
Crowd Control (CC) - Crowd control (video gaming)
oCrowd control refers to abilities or effects that limit, disable, or manage groups of enemies, like stuns, slows, or silences. It's essential in games where managing numerous opponents is part of the strategy.
Cross-Platform Play - Cross-platform play
oCross-platform play allows gamers on different systems (PC, console, mobile) to play together in the same game world or session. It breaks down barriers between gaming communities, increasing the player base and interaction opportunities.
Character Customization - Character customization
oCharacter customization involves altering the appearance, abilities, or backstory of a player's avatar. It can range from cosmetic changes like clothing and hairstyles to more impactful choices affecting gameplay mechanics or narrative.
Cover System - Cover system
oA cover system allows players to use environmental objects for protection during combat, reducing damage from enemy fire. It's particularly prevalent in third-person shooters, enhancing tactical gameplay and realism.
Cutscene - Cutscene
oEssentially the same as "cut scene" (see above), but sometimes used to differentiate between types of non-interactive sequences or within different gaming contexts.
Console - Video game console
oA console is a specialized computer system designed for video gaming, connecting to a TV or monitor. Brands like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch are popular examples, each with its unique ecosystem.
Controller - Game controller
oA controller is the primary input device for console gaming, featuring buttons, analog sticks, and triggers for game interaction. Designs vary by manufacturer but aim to provide intuitive control over in-game actions.
Cooldown - Cooldown (video gaming)
oCooldown refers to the time a character must wait before using an ability or item again after its use. It's a balancing mechanic to prevent overuse of powerful moves, encouraging strategic play.
Cutscene Skip - Cutscene skip
oCutscene skip is a feature allowing players to bypass non-interactive story sequences, often appreciated for replayability or for players familiar with the narrative. However, some games limit this feature to preserve key plot points.
Chiptune - Chiptune
oChiptune music in video games uses sounds from early computer and console sound chips, giving a nostalgic, retro feel. It's characterized by its limited but creative use of beeps, bleeps, and waveforms, often associated with 8-bit and 16-bit era games.
Character Progression - Character progression
oCharacter progression involves the development of a character's abilities, stats, or story through gameplay. It can include leveling up, skill acquisition, or narrative evolution, enhancing player investment in their avatar.
Combination Attack - Combination attack
oA combination attack, or combo, involves executing a series of attacks in quick succession, often increasing overall damage or triggering special effects. Combos are central to fighting games and can involve specific button inputs or timed actions.
Cutscene Camera - Cutscene camera
oThe cutscene camera is a specialized camera control that moves to show cinematic sequences, focusing on storytelling or dramatic moments. It's distinct from the gameplay camera, aiming for artistic shot composition and narrative emphasis.
Controller Vibration - Force feedback
oController vibration or force feedback provides tactile feedback to players, simulating physical sensations like recoil, impacts, or environmental effects. This enhances immersion by making the player feel more connected to the game's actions.
Challenge Mode - Challenge mode
oChallenge modes are specialized gameplay modes designed to test player skills with unique constraints or objectives. They often feature increased difficulty, time limits, or specific conditions to complete, providing an additional layer of replayability.
Damage Over Time (DoT) - Damage over time
oDoT refers to any effect or ability that causes ongoing damage to a target over a period. It's commonly found in RPGs, strategy games, and MMOs, where effects like poison, fire, or bleeding reduce health incrementally.
DLC (Downloadable Content) - Downloadable content
oDLC is additional content for a game that can be downloaded post-release, often including new missions, characters, or game modes. It can be free or paid, expanding the game's universe, story, or gameplay.
Dungeon - Dungeon (video gaming)
oIn video games, a dungeon is a complex, often maze-like area filled with enemies, puzzles, and treasures. Dungeons are central to many RPGs, providing both challenge and narrative progression.
Debuff - Debuff
oA debuff is a negative effect applied to a character or enemy, reducing their capabilities, like lowering stats or impairing actions. It contrasts with buffs, often used in combat to weaken opponents or manage resources.
Difficulty Level - Difficulty level
oDifficulty levels allow players to adjust the challenge of the game to their skill level or preference. Games might offer settings from "Easy" to "Hardcore," affecting enemy strength, puzzle complexity, or resource availability.
DPS (Damage Per Second) - Damage per second
oDPS is a measure of how much damage a character or weapon can deal in one second. It's key in games where combat efficiency and build optimization are crucial, particularly in MMORPGs and action games.
Day/Night Cycle - Day/night cycle
oA day/night cycle in games simulates the passage of time, affecting gameplay, NPC behavior, and sometimes the game's world. It can influence stealth elements, enemy activity, or provide different experiences based on the time of day.
Dynamic Difficulty - Dynamic difficulty
oDynamic difficulty, or rubber banding, adjusts game challenges based on player performance. This system aims to maintain an optimal level of difficulty, making the game easier or harder on-the-fly to match the player's skill.
Demo - Demo (video gaming)
oA game demo is a free, usually shortened, version of the game released to give players a taste of the gameplay. Demos can be used to generate interest, gather feedback, or promote sales before the full release.
Development Hell - Development hell
oDevelopment hell describes projects that face prolonged development times, often due to funding issues, creative direction changes, or technical difficulties. It results in games that are delayed indefinitely or never see release.
Drop Rate - Drop rate
oDrop rate refers to the probability of obtaining certain items or rewards from defeating enemies, opening chests, or completing activities. It's crucial for loot-based games where players aim to acquire rare or powerful items.
Dual Wielding - Dual wielding
oDual wielding is the ability for a character to use two weapons simultaneously, often increasing attack speed or allowing for unique combat styles. It can come with trade-offs like reduced defense or altered damage distribution.
Deathmatch - Deathmatch
oDeathmatch is a multiplayer game mode where players compete to achieve the highest number of kills within a set time or until a kill limit is reached. It's common in FPS games, emphasizing fast-paced, chaotic combat.
Dialogue Tree - Dialogue tree
oA dialogue tree is a branching conversation system where player choices determine the direction of the conversation. This mechanic allows for diverse narrative paths, character development, and multiple endings based on interaction.
Diegetic Sound - Diegetic sound
oDiegetic sound in video games is audio that originates from within the game world, like character voices, footsteps, or environmental noises. It's contrasted with non-diegetic sound, which includes the game's soundtrack or UI sounds.
Dungeon Crawler - Dungeon crawler
oA dungeon crawler is a game genre where the primary gameplay involves navigating through dungeons, solving puzzles, and fighting enemies. These games often focus on exploration, resource management, and tactical combat.
Dynamic Music - Dynamic music
oDynamic music adjusts the soundtrack in real-time based on in-game actions, events, or player choices. It enhances immersion by syncing the audio experience with gameplay, making the music more responsive and atmospheric.
D-pad - D-pad
oThe D-pad, or directional pad, is a control input on game controllers used for navigating menus or moving characters in four directions. It's particularly associated with classic gaming and remains a staple in modern controllers.
Destructible Environment - Destructible environment
oA destructible environment allows players to alter or destroy parts of the game world, which can affect gameplay, strategy, or uncover hidden elements. This feature can range from simple breakable objects to complex systems where nearly everything can be destroyed.
Downloadable Soundtrack - Downloadable Soundtrack
oA downloadable soundtrack refers to the game's music being available for purchase or download separately from the game. It allows fans to enjoy the game's music outside of gameplay or provides collectors with additional content.
Dodge Roll - Dodge roll
oA dodge roll is a quick, evasive maneuver where a character rolls to avoid attacks, often with invincibility frames during the action. It's a common mechanic in action and RPG games to enhance combat dynamics.
DLC Season Pass - Season pass
oA DLC Season Pass is a bundle purchase that grants access to all or select future DLC content at a discounted rate. It's marketed as a way for players to ensure they get all post-launch content without buying each piece separately.
Dynamic Weather - Dynamic weather
oDynamic weather systems in games change weather conditions in real-time, affecting gameplay, visibility, or strategy. Weather can influence game mechanics, like mud making movement slower or rain reducing visibility.
DirectX - DirectX
oDirectX is a set of Microsoft APIs designed for multimedia applications like video games, handling tasks from graphics rendering to sound. It's essential for developers to ensure compatibility and performance on Windows systems.
Deck Building - Deck-building game
oDeck building in video games refers to mechanics where players construct and modify a deck of cards or abilities during gameplay. It's seen in genres like roguelikes or strategy games, where managing and upgrading your deck is central to progression and strategy.
Easter Egg - Easter egg (media)
oAn Easter egg in video games is a hidden feature or message, often humorous or obscure, that's not part of the main gameplay. These can range from secret levels, hidden messages, to references to other games or pop culture.
Endgame - Endgame (video gaming)
oEndgame refers to the content or activities available to players after they've completed the main storyline or reached the highest level. It often includes high-level challenges, raids, PvP modes, or daily quests to keep players engaged.
Experience Points (XP) - Experience point
oExperience points, or XP, are awarded for various activities like defeating enemies or completing quests, which help characters level up. Leveling up usually grants stat increases, new abilities, or skill points for further customization.
Early Access - Early access
oEarly Access allows players to purchase and play a game before its official release, often while it's still in development. This model provides developers with funding and feedback while players get to experience the game in its evolving state.
Exploration - Exploration game
oExploration in video games encourages players to discover new areas, secrets, or lore within the game world. It's a key element in adventure, open-world, and RPG games, rewarding players with items, story elements, or new gameplay mechanics.
Easter Egg Hunt - Easter egg (media) - Hunt
oAn Easter Egg Hunt in gaming terms refers to the activity of searching for hidden elements within a game. It's an engaging way to extend gameplay, offering players additional content or rewards for thorough exploration.
Encounter - Random encounter
oAn encounter, particularly in RPGs, refers to meeting enemies or events that can lead to combat or other interactions. They can be random or scripted, adding unpredictability or narrative progression to gameplay.
Endless Runner - Endless running game
oEndless Runner games feature continuous forward movement where the player must navigate obstacles for as long as possible. The genre emphasizes quick reflexes, timing, and often includes mechanics for collecting items or power-ups.
Exploitation - Exploit (video gaming)
oExploitation in gaming refers to using game mechanics in unintended ways to gain an advantage, often considered cheating or unsportsmanlike. This can include bugs, glitches, or strategies that bypass the game's intended challenge.
Esports - eSports
oEsports, or electronic sports, involve competitive video gaming where players or teams compete in organized tournaments for prizes. It has grown into a major industry, with professional players, teams, and a large viewership similar to traditional sports.
Event - Event (video gaming)
oAn event in video games is a temporary addition to the game, often including special challenges, rewards, or narrative content. Events can coincide with real-world holidays, game anniversaries, or be used to introduce new gameplay elements.
Extra Life - Extra life
oAn extra life, or 1-up, gives the player an additional chance to continue playing after losing all health or dying. This mechanic is common in classic arcade games to extend playtime without restarting from the beginning.
Emote - Emote
oEmotes are actions or animations characters perform to communicate non-verbally, often used for social interaction in multiplayer games. They can range from simple gestures like waving to complex animations expressing celebration or frustration.
Escape Room - Escape room
oEscape room games translate the real-world concept into digital form, where players must solve puzzles to escape from a confined space within a time limit. They focus on logic, teamwork, and attention to detail to uncover clues and manipulate the environment.
Environmental Puzzle - Environmental puzzle
oEnvironmental puzzles require players to interact with the game world in specific ways to progress, like manipulating objects or using the environment itself to solve challenges. These puzzles blend seamlessly with the game's setting, often enhancing the narrative or exploration.
Expansion Pack - Expansion pack
oAn expansion pack is additional content for a game that significantly expands its world, story, or gameplay mechanics. Unlike smaller DLC, expansions often add new areas, quests, or features that can change the game experience substantially.
Enemy AI - Enemy AI
oEnemy AI refers to the programming that controls the behavior of opponents in video games. It dictates how enemies react to players, navigate environments, and strategize, influencing the challenge and realism of combat.
Early Adopter - Early adopter
oIn gaming, an early adopter is someone who buys and plays a game shortly after its release, often supporting new or innovative titles. They play a crucial role in providing initial feedback, bug reports, and community building around a game.
Endless Mode - Endless mode
oEndless mode refers to game modes where there's no definitive end, and players aim to survive or score as long or high as possible. It's prevalent in tower defense, survival, or roguelike games to test player skill or strategy over time.
Easter Egg Reference - Easter egg (media) - References
oAn Easter Egg Reference in games might be a nod to another game, movie, or cultural phenomenon, hidden within the game's content. These references delight fans by connecting different pieces of media or acknowledging the broader culture.
Ergonomics - Ergonomics in gaming
oErgonomics in gaming pertains to the design of controllers, chairs, and setups to reduce strain and enhance comfort during long gaming sessions. Good ergonomic practices can prevent injuries like repetitive strain or posture-related issues.
EX Move - EX Move
oAn EX Move is a special or enhanced version of a character's ability, often requiring specific resources or inputs to execute. These moves typically offer greater power or utility, seen in fighting games or action games with complex combat systems.
Escape Sequence - Escape sequence (video gaming)
oAn escape sequence in video games is a gameplay segment where the player must flee from a threat or situation, often under time pressure or with limited resources. This can create intense moments, testing the player's ability to navigate under stress.
Energy - Energy (video gaming)
oIn video games, energy can be a resource that limits how often a player can perform certain actions, like using special abilities or attacking. Managing energy is crucial in games where it governs the pace and strategy of combat or exploration.
EULA (End User License Agreement) - End User License Agreement
oA EULA is a contract between the software developer and the user, detailing the rights and restrictions of using the game. In gaming, it covers aspects like ownership, sharing, modifications, and what constitutes acceptable use.
FPS (First-Person Shooter) - First-person shooter
oFPS games are played from the perspective of the character, focusing on gun-based combat. They emphasize player immersion, aiming accuracy, and often include multiplayer elements where players compete or cooperate.
Faction - Faction (gaming)
oFactions are groups within a game that players can join or align with, each often having distinct goals, stories, or gameplay mechanics. Aligning with a faction can unlock unique content, alter storylines, or provide different strategic advantages.
Farming - Farming (video gaming)
oFarming refers to repeatedly performing certain actions or tasks to gather resources, experience, or items. This can involve grinding for levels, collecting materials, or farming enemies for rare drops in games like MMORPGs.
Field of View (FOV) - Field of view in video games
oFOV determines how much of the game world is visible on the screen at once, affecting player immersion and gameplay perception. A wider FOV can increase awareness but might distort visuals, while a narrower one can focus on detail but limit peripheral vision.
Frame Rate - Frame rate
oFrame rate, or FPS (frames per second), measures how many individual images are displayed each second. A higher frame rate generally leads to smoother gameplay and can be crucial in fast-paced games for responsiveness.
Free-to-Play (F2P) - Free-to-play
oFree-to-play games are available to play without any initial cost, typically monetized through microtransactions or in-game ads. They offer core gameplay for free but might have optional purchases for cosmetics, boosts, or additional content.
Fast Travel - Fast travel
oFast travel allows players to instantly move between previously visited locations, saving time on backtracking in large game worlds. It's often unlocked by clearing areas, discovering landmarks, or through specific items or abilities.
Friendly Fire - Friendly fire (video gaming)
oFriendly fire refers to the ability to damage or kill teammates or allied NPCs in games where this can occur. It adds a layer of strategy and realism to combat, requiring players to be mindful of their shots.
Freeze Frame - Freeze frame (video gaming)
oA freeze frame in video games momentarily pauses the action to highlight a critical moment, like a successful hit or a cinematic event. It can serve narrative purposes or give the player a brief respite to understand complex game mechanics.
Fog of War - Fog of war
oFog of War is a gameplay mechanic where areas of the map not yet explored or currently out of sight are obscured. It adds strategy to games, especially in genres like RTS or strategy games, by limiting player knowledge to what their units can see.
Framerate Cap - Framerate cap
oA framerate cap limits the maximum number of frames a game can render per second, often used to manage performance or for artistic effect. It can be implemented to reduce power consumption, smooth gameplay, or match specific hardware capabilities.
Fighting Game - Fighting game
oFighting games focus on one-on-one combat between characters, each with unique moves and fighting styles. They emphasize timing, strategy, and mastery of character-specific combos and special moves.
Full Motion Video (FMV) - Full motion video
oFMV uses pre-recorded video for cutscenes or gameplay, often seen in older games to enrich storytelling with real actors or high-quality animations. It's less common now but can still be found in games aiming for a cinematic experience.
Flying - Flight simulation
oFlying in video games can refer to controlling aircraft in flight simulators or utilizing flight abilities in various game genres. It adds verticality to gameplay, exploration, or combat, offering unique mechanics like aerial combat or puzzle-solving from the sky.
Flash Game - Flash game
oFlash games were simple, web-based games created using Adobe Flash, known for their accessibility and diversity in gameplay. With Flash's obsolescence, many have been remade or archived in other formats.
F2P Model - Free-to-play model
oThe F2P model allows players to download and play a game for free, with revenue generated through optional purchases. It's designed to be accessible to all, with monetization through in-game purchases of cosmetics, boosts, or additional content.
Faction War - Faction war
oA faction war involves players or AI-controlled groups engaging in large-scale conflict over territory, resources, or influence. These events can be community-driven or part of the game's narrative, affecting the game world or player alliances.
Farming Sim - Farming simulator
oFarming Sims are games that simulate agricultural activities, focusing on managing a farm, growing crops, and raising livestock. They offer a peaceful, methodical gameplay experience centered around farming, land management, and sometimes community interactions.
First-Person Perspective - First-person perspective
oFirst-person perspective games are experienced from the viewpoint of the character, enhancing immersion by simulating human vision. This viewpoint is common in shooters, adventure games, and horror games for its direct engagement.
Flick Stick - Flick stick
oFlick stick is a control method where quick, short movements of the joystick or controller are used for precise actions like aiming or quick turns. It's particularly useful in VR games for natural, rapid camera movement.
Furniture Interaction - Furniture interaction
oFurniture interaction in games allows players to interact with objects like chairs, tables, or beds, often for resting, hiding, or solving puzzles. This can add depth to environments, making them feel more lived-in or functional.
Freeze - Freeze (video gaming)
oFreeze in games can refer to a status effect where a character or enemy is temporarily immobilized, unable to act or move. This mechanic is used in combat to control the battlefield, giving players strategic advantages.
Filler Content - Filler content
oFiller content includes additional game elements that extend playtime but might not contribute significantly to the main story or gameplay experience. It's often criticized when it pads out games with repetitive or less engaging tasks.
Faction Reputation - Faction reputation
oFaction Reputation tracks a player's standing with different groups within a game, which can unlock special quests, items, or alliances. Managing reputation often involves making choices that affect how factions view and interact with the player.
Field Upgrade - Field upgrade
oField upgrades are temporary boosts or abilities that players can deploy on the battlefield, often recharging over time. In games like Call of Duty, they could include perks like ammo crates or defensive barriers, altering gameplay strategy.
Game Engine - Game engine
oA game engine is software that provides a framework for developing video games, handling elements like graphics, physics, and audio. Popular engines like Unity and Unreal Engine allow developers to focus on content rather than building these systems from scratch.
Grind - Grind (video gaming)
oGrinding refers to the repetitive action of performing tasks to gain experience, levels, or resources in games. It's often necessary in RPGs or MMOs to prepare for tougher challenges or to enhance character abilities.
Graphics - Graphics in video games
oGraphics in video games encompass the visual representation of game elements, including character models, environments, and effects. Advancements in graphics technology have significantly enhanced the realism and immersion of gaming experiences over the years.
Guild - Guild (video gaming)
oA guild is a group of players in an online game who work together, often sharing resources, strategies, and tackling challenges as a team. Guilds can provide social interaction, organized gameplay, and often come with benefits like shared progression or group bonuses.
Game Over - Game over
o"Game Over" is a message or screen indicating that the player has failed, lost all lives, or reached an end condition where they must restart or quit. It's a pivotal moment in games, often followed by options to continue, restart, or return to the main menu.
Glitch - Glitch
oA glitch is an unintended flaw or error in the game that leads to unexpected behavior or outcomes. Players might exploit glitches for advantages or they might hinder gameplay, prompting patches or fixes from developers.
Genre - Video game genres
oGenre in video games refers to the categorization of games based on their gameplay mechanics, theme, or narrative style. Common genres include action, adventure, strategy, simulation, and many sub-genres like RPG or FPS.
Gold Farming - Gold farming
oGold farming is the practice of amassing in-game currency through repetitive gameplay, often to sell it for real money. It's controversial, as it can affect game economies, lead to bot usage, and raise ethical questions about labor practices.
Gamepad - Gamepad
oA gamepad, or controller, is a handheld device with buttons and analog sticks used to interact with video games, particularly on consoles. It's designed for comfort and intuitive control, offering a different experience from keyboard and mouse setups.
Griefing - Griefing
oGriefing involves intentionally disrupting, harassing, or sabotaging other players' experiences in multiplayer games. It includes actions like player killing without cause, blocking progress, or exploiting game mechanics to ruin others' gameplay.
Gameplay Loop - Gameplay loop
oThe gameplay loop is the core set of actions players repeatedly engage with, forming the main cycle of play. A well-designed loop keeps players engaged by offering rewards, challenges, and satisfaction in a balanced manner.
Grayscale - Grayscale in video games
oGrayscale in video games refers to the use of black, white, and shades of gray for visual style or to convey themes like dystopia or horror. It can also be an accessibility feature for players with color vision deficiency.
Gacha - Gacha game
oGacha mechanics involve spending in-game or real currency for a chance at random rewards, similar to a vending machine or loot box system. It's particularly popular in mobile games for monetization, offering players a chance to obtain rare characters or items.
Gamification - Gamification in video games
oGamification applies game-design elements in non-game contexts to engage users, often seen in educational or productivity apps. In video games, it can refer to adding points, levels, or challenges to enhance player motivation and engagement.
Ghosting - Ghosting (video gaming)
oGhosting in games can refer to a visual artifact where past images remain faintly visible, often due to screen refresh issues. In a different context, it can mean players leaving a multiplayer game mid-session, leaving their team at a disadvantage.
God Mode - God mode
oGod Mode is a cheat or debug feature that makes the player invincible, often with unlimited resources or abilities. It's used for testing games or by players for an easier, less challenging experience.
Game Save - Game save
oA game save records the player's progress, allowing them to resume from that point later. It can be manual, where the player chooses when to save, or automatic, with the game saving at key moments or checkpoints.
Game Mechanics - Game mechanics
oGame mechanics are the rules or methods that dictate how players interact with the game world or each other. They include systems like combat, resource management, or puzzle-solving, defining the gameplay experience.
Graphic Novel - Graphic novel game
oGraphic novel games blend comic book storytelling with interactive elements, allowing players to influence the narrative or explore the story at their pace. They often use static or animated panels, with choices affecting the plot or character development.
Golden Path - Golden path
oThe golden path in game design refers to the intended or optimal route through the game's content, often leading to the best outcomes or story progression. It's designed to guide players through key experiences or narrative points.
Game Show - Game show game
oGame show games simulate the format of television game shows, where players answer questions or compete in challenges for points or prizes. These games can range from trivia to physical or mental challenges, often emphasizing multiplayer interaction.
Griefer - Griefer
oA griefer is a player who intentionally disrupts the game experience of others, often for personal amusement. They engage in actions like destroying others' work, preventing progress, or harassing players, leading to negative community experiences.
Game Jam - Game jam
oA game jam is an event where developers, often including artists and designers, come together to create games within a very short timeframe, usually 48 to 72 hours. It's a space for creativity, collaboration, and innovation, often with a theme or specific constraints.
Graphics API - Graphics API
oGraphics APIs like DirectX or OpenGL are interfaces that allow software to communicate with the hardware for rendering graphics. They manage complex tasks like 3D rendering, texture mapping, or shader effects, crucial for game performance and visual quality.
Gunslinger - Gunslinger (video gaming)
oIn video games, a Gunslinger typically refers to a character archetype or class specializing in firearms, often with skills enhancing shooting accuracy, speed, or style. This character type is common in Western, action, or fantasy games where gunplay is central to gameplay.
Hitbox - Hitbox
oA hitbox is an invisible shape that defines where an attack can hit or be hit in a game, crucial for combat accuracy. It's used in fighting games and others to determine collision and damage interaction between characters and attacks.
HUD (Heads-Up Display) - Heads-up display
oThe HUD is the game's interface overlay that displays information directly over the gameplay, like health, ammo, or map. It's designed to keep players informed without interrupting the game experience.
Hack 'n' Slash - Hack and slash
oHack 'n' Slash games focus on fast-paced, often melee combat with an emphasis on action over strategy. Players typically engage in battles against hordes of enemies, with simple controls for attacking and defending.
Hidden Object Game - Hidden object game
oHidden Object Games challenge players to find specific items within a cluttered scene. These games often combine puzzle-solving with narrative elements, popular in casual and puzzle gaming.
Horror Game - Horror video game
oHorror games aim to scare players through atmosphere, narrative, and gameplay mechanics like survival or puzzles. They frequently utilize elements like jump scares, dark themes, and psychological tension.
Healing - Healing (video gaming)
oHealing in games refers to mechanics or items that restore health or other vital stats to characters. It can be integral to gameplay, especially in RPGs, where managing health is key to survival.
Hard Mode - Difficulty level#Hard_mode
oHard Mode increases the game's challenge, often with tougher enemies, less forgiveness for mistakes, or reduced resources. It's designed for players seeking a more demanding experience or replay value.
Haptic Feedback - Haptic technology
oHaptic feedback in video games provides tactile sensations through controllers or special devices, simulating touch or impact. It enhances immersion by letting players feel actions like recoil, collisions, or environmental vibrations.
Hotfix - Hotfix
oA hotfix is a quick patch released to fix urgent issues or bugs in a game, often deployed without requiring a full update. It's crucial for maintaining game stability and player satisfaction between major updates.
Hype Train - Hype train
oA hype train in gaming culture refers to the buildup of excitement or anticipation for an upcoming game or event. It's often driven by marketing, community reactions, and can influence sales and community engagement.
Hit Points (HP) - Hit points
oHit Points represent the health or life of a character, depleting when damage is taken and replenishing with healing. Managing HP is fundamental in many genres, dictating survival and combat strategy.
Home Console - Home video game console
oA home console is a dedicated gaming system intended for use in a living room setting, connected to a TV. Brands like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch are examples, providing a diverse library of games.
Handheld - Handheld game console
oHandheld consoles are portable gaming devices, designed for gaming on the go without needing a separate screen. Historical examples include the Game Boy, PSP, and modern ones like the Nintendo Switch in portable mode.
Horde Mode - Horde mode
oHorde Mode is a game mode where players defend against increasingly difficult waves of enemies. It's common in shooters or strategy games, testing players' endurance, resource management, and teamwork.
Hub World - Hub world
oA hub world serves as a central location in a game from which players can access different levels or activities. It's often used to give a sense of progression, provide a safe area for planning, or expand the narrative.
Hearthstone (in games) - Hearthstone (game mechanic)
oIn games like "World of Warcraft", Hearthstone refers to an item or ability that teleports the player back to their designated home or inn. This mechanic is used for quick travel and safety, often with a cooldown period.
Hack - Hack (video gaming)
oA hack in gaming can mean altering game code or data to gain an unfair advantage, often considered cheating. Alternatively, it can refer to fan-made modifications that change or enhance game content.
High Score - High score
oHigh Score refers to the best performance recorded in a game, often displayed on leaderboards. It's a legacy from arcade games, motivating players to replay to beat their or others' scores.
Hero Shooter - Hero shooter
oHero Shooters are a sub-genre of FPS games where players choose from a roster of characters, each with unique abilities. Games like "Overwatch" or "Team Fortress 2" emphasize teamwork and strategic use of hero abilities.
Hyper Casual Game - Hyper-casual game
oHyper Casual Games are designed for instant playability, with simple mechanics and short sessions, often played on mobile devices. They aim for broad appeal, focusing on core gameplay loops that are easy to understand but hard to master.
Hard Lock - Hard lock
oA hard lock in games is when a character or system becomes completely unresponsive, often due to bugs or technical issues. Unlike soft locks, hard locks typically require restarting the game or system to resolve.
Health Regeneration - Health regeneration
oHealth Regeneration is a mechanic where a character's health automatically recovers over time, either passively or under certain conditions. It can change combat dynamics by allowing more aggressive play or reducing reliance on healing items.
Hidden Path - Hidden path
oA hidden path in games refers to secret routes or areas not immediately apparent, rewarding exploration or puzzle-solving. These can lead to shortcuts, special items, or additional story content.
Haptic Suit - Haptic suit
oA haptic suit is a wearable device that provides full-body sensory feedback, enhancing immersion in video games. It can simulate sensations like impacts, temperature changes, or directional feedback for a more physical gaming experience.
Hex Grid - Hex grid
oA hex grid in games uses hexagonal tiles for layout, often seen in strategy or board games for more natural movement and adjacency. It offers an alternative to square grids, providing unique gameplay mechanics and spatial strategies.
Inventory - Inventory (video gaming)
oAn inventory in video games is a system or space where players store items like weapons, health kits, or collectibles. Managing inventory is often crucial for gameplay, involving decisions on what to keep, use, or drop.
Idle Game - Idle game
oIdle games, or clicker games, are designed to progress even when the player isn't actively playing, with rewards for minimal interaction. They focus on resource gathering, upgrades, and exponential growth through passive play.
Indie Game - Indie game
oIndie games are developed by individuals or small teams without the backing of large publishers, often showcasing unique ideas or artistic expression. They're celebrated for innovation, creativity, and sometimes, for challenging the conventions of mainstream gaming.
Interactive Fiction - Interactive fiction
oInteractive Fiction is a narrative-driven genre where players influence the story through text-based commands. It emphasizes storytelling, choice, and often puzzles, with the player's input shaping the narrative's direction.
In-Game Currency - In-game currency
oIn-game currency is a virtual form of money used within games to purchase items, services, or upgrades. It can be earned through gameplay or bought with real money, affecting game economy and player progression.
Item Drop - Item drop
oAn item drop refers to items that enemies, bosses, or events leave behind when defeated or completed. These can range from common resources to rare, game-changing equipment, influencing the game's loot system.
Instanced Zone - Instanced zone
oAn instanced zone is a separate, private version of a game area for specific players or groups, ensuring no interference from others. It's used in MMORPGs for dungeons, raids, or special events to manage player interactions and resources.
Immersion - Immersion (video games)
oImmersion in video games refers to the feeling of being deeply engaged or absorbed in the game world. Elements like story, graphics, sound, and interaction mechanics all contribute to creating an immersive experience.
Interface - User interface in video games
oThe user interface (UI) in video games includes all visual elements players interact with, like menus, HUD, or inventory screens. A well-designed interface is crucial for usability, accessibility, and enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Invincibility Frame (I-frame) - Invincibility frame
oI-frames are brief moments after certain actions where a character cannot be damaged, often used during dodging or specific animations. They are essential in action games for balancing difficulty and providing strategic combat windows.
Idle Animation - Idle animation
oAn idle animation is a set of movements performed by a character when not being actively controlled by the player. These animations add life to characters, making the game world feel more dynamic.
In-App Purchase - In-app purchase
oIn-app purchases allow players to buy virtual goods, currency, or premium content within mobile or online games. This monetization strategy can extend gameplay, offer cosmetic enhancements, or provide shortcuts in progression.
Intellectual Property (IP) - Intellectual property in video games
oIP in gaming refers to the legal rights to characters, stories, or game worlds that can be used or adapted into games. Licensing popular IPs can attract fans but also involves managing copyright and creative control.
Infinite Runner - Infinite runner
oAn infinite runner game features endless, scrolling levels where players must navigate obstacles to survive as long as possible. The gameplay focuses on reflexes, timing, and often collecting items or achieving high scores.
Input Lag - Input lag
oInput lag is the delay between a player's action (like pressing a button) and the response in the game. Minimizing input lag is crucial for genres like fighting or shooters where timing is key.
Interactive Movie - Interactive movie
oAn interactive movie blends traditional film with interactive elements, where player choices can alter the story or outcome. These games often prioritize narrative and character development, with gameplay mechanics integrated into the cinematic experience.
Item Durability - Item durability
oItem durability refers to how much use or damage an item can take before breaking or needing repair. This mechanic adds strategy to game management, as players must decide when to repair or replace items.
Instant Kill - Instant kill
oAn instant kill is a move or condition in games that results in immediate defeat or death, bypassing normal health or defense systems. It's often a high-risk, high-reward mechanic in fighting or strategy games.
Interactable Object - Interactable object
oInteractable objects in games are environmental elements players can engage with, like switches, doors, or items. Interaction can advance the story, solve puzzles, or simply enrich the game world's interactivity.
Iron Man Challenge - Iron Man challenge
oAn Iron Man challenge is a self-imposed set of rules where players must restart from the beginning if they die or fail certain conditions. It's popular in games with permadeath or to add extra difficulty to gameplay.
Itemization - Itemization
oItemization refers to the design and balance of items within a game, affecting gameplay, strategy, and player choice. Good itemization can enhance player engagement by offering diverse equipment with meaningful impacts on playstyle.
In-Game Advertising - In-game advertising
oIn-game advertising integrates real-world ads into the game environment or as part of gameplay. It can be controversial but is used to monetize games, often in free-to-play models, by displaying ads for products or services.
Immersive Sim - Immersive sim
oImmersive sims are games that offer players multiple ways to achieve objectives, emphasizing player choice, simulation, and deep interactivity. Games like "Deus Ex" or "Dishonored" are known for their complex systems and emergent gameplay scenarios.
In-Game Event - In-game event
oIn-game events are temporary activities or scenarios added to games, often tied to real-world dates or seasons. They provide unique challenges, rewards, or narrative content, encouraging player engagement during specific times.
Indie Dev - Indie developer
oAn indie dev, or independent developer, works on games outside the traditional studio system, often with limited resources. They are known for pushing creative boundaries, experimenting with mechanics, and sometimes achieving cult status with their work.
Jump Scare - Jump scare
oA jump scare is a technique used in horror games to startle players with sudden, unexpected events or visuals. It's designed to elicit an immediate reaction of fear or surprise from the player.
Joystick - Joystick
oA joystick is a control device with a stick that pivots on a base and is used for directional input in games. It's particularly associated with flight simulators, arcade games, and classic gaming systems.
JRPG (Japanese Role-Playing Game) - Japanese role-playing game
oJRPGs are a sub-genre of RPGs developed in Japan, known for their unique storytelling, character development, and often turn-based combat. They typically feature anime-inspired graphics, complex narratives, and a focus on party-based gameplay.
Jukebox - Jukebox in video games
oIn video games, a jukebox can be an in-game object or feature allowing players to listen to the game's soundtrack or select music. It's a way for players to enjoy the music outside of gameplay context or to customize their gaming atmosphere.
Jank - Jank (video games)
oJank refers to the rough, often unintentionally humorous or quirky aspects of game design or mechanics that can add charm or frustration. It's common in games with limited budgets, unique indie titles, or retro games that haven't aged well in terms of polish.
Jump - Jump (video gaming)
oThe jump action in video games allows characters to move vertically, often crucial for platforming, evasion, or accessing higher areas. It's a fundamental mechanic in many genres, from platformers to action games, affecting gameplay depth and exploration.
Jenga Mechanics - Jenga mechanics
oJenga mechanics in games involve gameplay elements where players must carefully balance or remove items without causing a collapse, similar to the physical Jenga game. This can be applied to puzzle games or strategy games where stability or balance is key.
Jail - Jail (video gaming)
oIn multiplayer games, jail can refer to a system where players are temporarily removed from gameplay due to rule violations or as part of the game's mechanics, like in capture-the-flag modes. It serves as a penalty or to simulate game-specific scenarios.
Jitter - Jitter in video games
oJitter in video games refers to the small, rapid movements of in-game elements, often due to frame rate inconsistencies or poor input handling. It can affect precision, especially in fast-paced games requiring accurate timing or aiming.
Juke - Juke (video gaming)
oJuke in gaming slang means to fake out or trick an opponent, often seen in sports or strategy games to evade or mislead. It's about creating a false move to gain an advantage or escape.
Jumping Puzzle - Jumping puzzle
oA jumping puzzle is a challenge where players must navigate through a series of platforms or obstacles by jumping, requiring precise timing and spatial awareness. Common in platformers and adventure games, they test player skill and patience.
Joypad - Joypad
oA joypad, often synonymous with gamepad, is a handheld controller with buttons and directional inputs for video game control. It's designed for comfort, offering a tactile alternative to keyboard and mouse inputs, especially on consoles.
Jib Jab - Jib Jab (video gaming)
oJib Jab refers to rapid, often random button presses to perform actions in games where precision is less critical than speed. It's seen in fighting games or rhythm games where players might try to overwhelm their opponent or react to quick events.
Jargon - Jargon (video gaming)
oJargon in video gaming consists of specialized terms or slang used by the gaming community to describe game elements, strategies, or experiences. Understanding this jargon can enhance communication and strategy within gaming communities.
Juke Move - Juke move
oA Juke Move in video games, particularly sports titles, is an evasive maneuver where a character feints one direction to move another, dodging opponents. It's a key skill in games requiring one-on-one confrontations or evasion.
Jump Pack - Jump pack
oA Jump Pack or jetpack in games provides characters with enhanced vertical mobility, allowing for high jumps or short flights. It's used in various genres to add vertical gameplay elements, exploration, or escape mechanics.
Jester - Jester (video gaming)
oIn games, a Jester can be a character class or archetype known for trickery, humor, or unique abilities that disrupt or entertain. They might specialize in misdirection, buffing allies, or debuffing foes in a playful manner.
Jailbreak - Jailbreak (video gaming)
oIn gaming, a jailbreak can refer to escaping from a restricted area or bypassing game limitations, often through clever gameplay or exploiting mechanics. It's also used in the context of console or device modification for unrestricted access.
Jousting Game - Jousting game
oJousting games are inspired by the medieval sport, featuring combat on horseback with lances, typically emphasizing timing and positioning. "Joust" by Williams Electronics is a classic example where players fly on ostriches or storks.
Jump Button - Jump button
oThe Jump Button is a designated input on a controller or keyboard that triggers the character's jump action. Its placement and responsiveness are crucial for gameplay, especially in platform games.
Juggernaut - Juggernaut (video gaming)
oA Juggernaut in games often refers to a character or enemy with overwhelming power, size, or resilience, often used in modes where one player becomes this dominant force. It's a gameplay archetype meant to challenge or change the dynamics of play.
Jiggle Physics - Jiggle physics
oJiggle physics simulate the natural movement of objects or character parts like hair, clothing, or body parts to add realism or humor. While it can enhance immersion, it's sometimes criticized for being gratuitous or distracting.
Junction System - Junction System
oThe Junction System, notably from "Final Fantasy VIII", allows players to link magic spells to character stats or abilities, creating a unique form of character customization and combat strategy. It turns magic into a resource for enhancing rather than just casting.
Joycon - Joy-Con
oJoy-Con are the detachable controllers for the Nintendo Switch, offering versatility in how players can interact with games, either attached, detached, or in various configurations. They feature motion controls, HD rumble, and can be used individually or combined.
Jump Physics - Jump physics
oJump Physics pertains to how jumping mechanics are implemented in games, affecting height, distance, and interaction with the environment. Well-designed jump physics can define a game's feel, from arcade-like jumps to realistic gravity simulation.
Kiting - Kiting
oKiting is a strategy where a player keeps an enemy at a distance while attacking, often used by ranged characters to avoid melee damage. It requires good movement control, timing, and understanding of enemy AI behavior.
Kill Screen - Kill screen
oA kill screen is a point in some video games, especially older arcade games, where the game's programming fails, making further play impossible or nonsensical. It's often due to memory limitations or overflow, famously seen in games like Pac-Man.
Knockback - Knockback
oKnockback is a mechanic where an attack or effect physically pushes characters or objects away. It's used in combat to manage crowd control, disrupt enemy formations, or create space for strategic gameplay.
K.O. (Knockout) - Knockout (video gaming)
oK.O., or Knockout, refers to defeating an opponent in fighting games or other combat scenarios, usually by reducing their health to zero. It's a common term in games where one player is decisively defeated.
Key Item - Key item
oA key item in video games is essential for progressing the story or gameplay, often required to unlock new areas or solve puzzles. These items are typically unique and cannot be discarded, like keys, plot-important objects, or special equipment.
Karma System - Karma system
oA karma system tracks and influences a player's moral or ethical standing based on their in-game actions. It can alter how NPCs react to the player, open up or block certain paths in the narrative, or affect gameplay mechanics.
Katana - Katana (video gaming)
oIn video games, a katana often represents a high-damage, fast weapon with cultural significance, typically wielded by characters with ninja or samurai themes. It's known for its sleek design, precise strikes, and sometimes special abilities like quick draws.
K-D Ratio - Kill-death ratio
oK-D Ratio, or Kill-Death Ratio, measures a player's effectiveness in combat by comparing the number of kills to deaths. It's a common statistic in competitive games, particularly shooters, to gauge player skill or team contribution.
Kiosk Mode - Kiosk mode
oKiosk mode in video games is a restricted access mode where only certain functions are available, often used in public demonstrations or retail settings. It prevents users from altering game settings, saving, or accessing unauthorized parts of the software.
Keep - Keep (video gaming)
oIn strategy or castle defense games, a keep is often the central, most fortified structure that players aim to protect or capture. It represents the last line of defense or a key objective in gameplay.
Key Binding - Key binding
oKey binding allows players to customize which keys or buttons perform specific actions in a game, enhancing comfort or efficiency. It's vital for accessibility, player preference, and adapting to different control schemes.
Kickstarter - Kickstarter in video games
oKickstarter is a crowdfunding platform where many indie game projects get funded directly by consumers. It has become a significant avenue for developers to finance games, engage with their community, and offer backers exclusive rewards.
Kill Steal - Kill steal
oKill Steal refers to when a player takes the last hit on an enemy that another player was primarily fighting, thus claiming the kill and its rewards. It's often considered poor sportsmanship in team-based games, affecting team dynamics and morale.
Kung Fu - Kung Fu in video games
oKung Fu in video games refers to martial arts-based combat styles or games that draw inspiration from Chinese martial arts. These games often emphasize hand-to-hand combat, fluid movements, and sometimes historical or mythical elements.
Knife - Knife (video gaming)
oIn video games, knives are typically melee weapons used for close combat, often with quick attacks but limited range. They can serve multiple roles, from combat to utility functions like cutting through obstacles.
Kart Racing - Kart racing game
oKart racing games simulate go-kart racing with an emphasis on fun, items, and chaotic races rather than realistic driving. The genre is popularized by series like "Mario Kart," featuring whimsical tracks and power-ups.
King of the Hill - King of the Hill (game mode)
oKing of the Hill is a game mode where players must control a specific area or point on the map for the longest period to win. It requires strategic positioning, teamwork, and often leads to intense battles over control.
Knockdown - Knockdown
oKnockdown in games refers to an attack or effect that forces a character into a prone or staggered state, temporarily incapacitating them. It's used to open up opportunities for follow-up attacks or to control the flow of combat.
Karma Points - Karma points
oKarma Points are a quantifiable measure of a character's moral actions within games, influencing story outcomes or character abilities. They can be used to unlock special abilities, alter NPC interactions, or provide different endings.
Kinect - Kinect
oKinect is Microsoft's motion-sensing input device for the Xbox, allowing players to control games through body movements and voice commands. It introduced new ways of interaction, focusing on physical activity and gesture-based gameplay.
Kicker - Kicker (video gaming)
oIn pinball games, a kicker or slingshot is a mechanism that propels the ball back into play when activated, adding to the game's challenge and excitement. In broader gaming contexts, "kicker" might refer to an unexpected event or bonus that alters gameplay.
KOTH (King of the Hill) - King of the Hill (game mode)
oSee "King of the Hill" above; this is an alternative abbreviation for the same game mode.
Kung Fu Master - Kung-Fu Master (video game)
o"Kung Fu Master" is a pioneering beat 'em up arcade game where the player fights through levels to rescue a princess, introducing side-scrolling mechanics. It was influential for its time, setting the stage for future games in the genre.
Killstreak - Killstreak
oA killstreak in games, especially shooters, occurs when a player achieves a series of kills without dying, often granting special rewards or abilities. These can range from score bonuses to powerful in-game tools like airstrikes or UAVs.
Kobold - Kobold (video gaming)
oIn video games, kobolds are often depicted as small, mischievous creatures, commonly found in RPGs or fantasy settings as enemies or NPCs. They might have abilities related to trickery, traps, or minor magic, serving as comic relief or minor threats.
Level - Level (video gaming)
oA level in video games is a segment of gameplay, often with a distinct setting, objectives, and challenges. It can refer to both physical game areas and character progression stages.
Loot - Loot (video gaming)
oLoot describes items, weapons, or resources that players can collect in games, often from defeated enemies or hidden locations. It's central to many games' economies, progression, and player engagement.
Lag - Lag (video gaming)
oLag is the delay between player action and game response, often caused by high latency in online games. It can severely impact gameplay, particularly in fast-paced or competitive environments.
Loading Screen - Loading screen
oA loading screen appears when the game is loading new content, transitioning between levels, or fetching data from servers. It can be a simple progress bar or an opportunity for additional storytelling or tips.
Life - Life (video gaming)
oIn video games, life often refers to how many times a player can die before the game ends or they must restart. It's a classic mechanic to increase tension and challenge in gameplay.
Linear - Linear gameplay
oLinear gameplay guides players through a prescribed path with little deviation, focusing on narrative progression. It contrasts with open-world games, offering a more structured but sometimes less explorative experience.
Lock-on - Lock-on (video gaming)
oLock-on is a targeting system in games that automatically focuses the camera or attacks on an enemy, simplifying combat. It's especially common in action and fighting games to manage multiple threats or improve accuracy.
Level Design - Level design
oLevel design involves crafting the layout, challenges, and atmosphere of game levels to engage players. It encompasses puzzle creation, enemy placement, and narrative integration to ensure a cohesive gameplay experience.
Local Multiplayer - Local multiplayer
oLocal multiplayer allows several players to play together on the same console or computer, often split-screen or taking turns. It promotes physical social interaction and was more prevalent before widespread internet connectivity.
Lore - Lore (video gaming)
oLore refers to the backstory, myths, and history of a game's world, enriching the game's universe. It can be conveyed through environmental storytelling, item descriptions, or dedicated narrative content.
Loot Box - Loot box
oA loot box is a purchasable or earnable virtual item that contains random rewards, often criticized for gambling-like mechanics. They can offer cosmetic items, gameplay advantages, or currency, impacting both player experience and game monetization.
Lag Switch - Lag switch
oA lag switch is a cheating method where players intentionally interrupt their internet connection to gain an advantage in online games. It can cause the game to freeze for others, allowing the cheater to move or attack without immediate repercussions.
Lead Designer - Lead designer
oThe lead designer oversees the game's overall design, ensuring consistency in gameplay, narrative, and player experience. They coordinate between various teams, from artists to programmers, to realize the game's vision.
Level Cap - Level cap
oA level cap is the maximum level a character can reach in a game, often influencing the game's endgame content. It can be raised with expansions or updates, providing new challenges or progression opportunities.
Light Gun - Light gun
oA light gun is a pointing device used for games where players aim at the screen to shoot or interact, simulating real firearms. Popular in arcade and home console games for shooting galleries or rail shooters.
Ledge Grab - Ledge grab
oLedge grab is a mechanic where characters can hang onto or pull themselves up from ledges, often crucial in platformers for exploration or survival. It adds depth to movement and can be used for strategic positioning in combat.
Loot System - Loot system
oA loot system defines how items are distributed or acquired in games, affecting player economy and engagement. It can include drop rates, rarity, and methods like auctions, free-for-all, or need before greed.
Last Hit - Last hit
oLast hit refers to the final blow that kills an enemy, often necessary in MOBAs or RPGs for gaining experience, gold, or items. It can be a point of contention in team games due to its impact on individual and team progression.
Ladder Match - Ladder match
oIn video games, especially wrestling or sports titles, a ladder match involves using ladders to reach an item or goal above the ring or field. It introduces unique mechanics and strategies, including climbing and ladder balance.
Life Bar - Life bar
oA life bar visually represents a character's health or hit points, often shown as a decreasing bar or gauge. It's fundamental for players to manage their survival strategy or understand enemy resilience.
Level Up - Level up
oLeveling up occurs when a character gains enough experience points to increase their level, often granting stat boosts or new abilities. It's a core mechanic in RPGs, signaling growth and progression.
Local Co-op - Local co-op
oLocal co-op refers to cooperative gameplay where players are in the same physical location, sharing one screen or console. It fosters direct social interaction, teamwork, and is often a nostalgic or family-friendly gaming mode.
Low Poly - Low poly
oLow poly refers to graphics with fewer polygons, resulting in a simpler, often stylized aesthetic. It can be used for performance reasons or as an artistic choice, evoking a retro or minimalist look.
Line of Sight (LoS) - Line of sight (gaming)
oLine of Sight is a gameplay mechanic where visibility or targeting is obstructed by terrain or objects, affecting tactics in shooters or strategy games. It adds realism and strategic depth, requiring players to position themselves wisely.
Latency - Latency (video gaming)
oLatency is the time it takes for data to travel from the player's device to the server and back, influencing game responsiveness. High latency can lead to lag, making timely actions in games challenging.
MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) - MMORPG
oAn MMORPG is an online game where thousands of players can interact in a persistent world, often involving role-playing elements like character customization and questing. Games like "World of Warcraft" exemplify this genre, focusing on community, economy, and long-term player engagement.
Microtransaction - Microtransaction
oMicrotransactions are small, often in-game purchases for virtual goods, bonuses, or cosmetic items. They're a common monetization strategy in free-to-play games or as additional content in paid games.
MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas) - MOBA
oMOBAs are team-based strategy games where players control characters with unique abilities, focusing on destroying the enemy base while defending their own. Titles like "League of Legends" and "Dota 2" have popularized this genre with its emphasis on strategy, teamwork, and individual skill.
Mashing - Button mashing
oMashing, or button mashing, refers to rapidly pressing buttons without specific intent, often to perform actions quickly in games where timing is less critical. It's commonly seen in fighting games for executing combos or in situations requiring quick, repeated actions.
Mod - Mod (video gaming)
oA mod, short for modification, is user-created content that alters or extends the original game, from simple texture changes to entire new gameplay experiences. Mods can significantly extend a game's lifespan and community engagement.
Mana - Mana (video gaming)
oMana is a resource in many games, particularly RPGs, used to cast spells or perform special abilities. Managing mana efficiently is crucial for characters relying on magic or special moves.
Multiplayer - Multiplayer video game
oMultiplayer games allow more than one player to participate, either cooperatively or competitively, either locally or online. This mode can range from simple two-player split-screen to massive online battles.
Melee - Melee (video gaming)
oMelee refers to close combat, typically with weapons like swords or fists, contrasting with ranged combat. Many games feature melee combat systems that require timing, strategy, and spatial awareness.
Minimap - Minimap
oA minimap is a small, often top-down map in the corner of the screen providing a quick overview of the player's surroundings. It's used for navigation, spotting enemies, and understanding the game's layout without interrupting gameplay.
Mission - Mission (video gaming)
oA mission in video games is an objective or series of tasks players must complete to progress the story or gameplay. Missions can range from combat scenarios to puzzle-solving or exploration.
Metagame - Metagame
oThe metagame refers to strategies, trends, or player behaviors that exist outside the game's immediate mechanics, often influenced by the community or game updates. Understanding the metagame can be crucial for competitive play or maximizing game outcomes.
Musou - Musou (video gaming)
oMusou, or Warriors games, are action games where players control powerful characters fighting hordes of enemies, based on historical or fictional narratives. They're known for their focus on crowd control and combo mechanics.
Multiplatform - Multiplatform
oMultiplatform games are released on more than one gaming system, allowing players on different hardware to enjoy the same game. This approach can expand a game's audience but requires developers to adapt for various system capabilities.
Mystery Game - Mystery game
oMystery games involve solving puzzles or crimes through investigation, deduction, and narrative exploration. They often blend elements of adventure games with storytelling to create engaging, brain-teasing experiences.
Monster - Monster (video gaming)
oIn gaming, monsters are creatures or enemies players must overcome, often with unique behaviors or abilities. They can serve as obstacles, threats, or part of the game's ecosystem, adding depth to the world.
Main Character - Main character
oThe main character, or protagonist, is the central figure through whom the player experiences the game's story. Their development, actions, and decisions often drive the narrative forward.
Maze Game - Maze game
oMaze games challenge players to navigate through complex paths to find an exit or achieve objectives. They test spatial awareness, memory, and sometimes include dynamic elements like moving walls or enemies.
Matchmaking - Matchmaking (video gaming)
oMatchmaking is the process by which online games pair players for multiplayer sessions, aiming for balanced and fair games. Algorithms consider factors like player skill, connection quality, and game type preferences.
Motion Controls - Motion controls
oMotion controls allow players to interact with games through physical movements, detected by sensors like those in Wii Remotes or PlayStation Move. They add an immersive layer to gameplay, especially in sports, fitness, or action titles.
Minigame - Minigame
oA minigame is a smaller, often simpler game within a larger game, providing variety or breaks from the main gameplay. They can serve as side activities, challenges, or rewards, often with unique mechanics.
Mute - Mute (video gaming)
oIn video games, to mute refers to silencing voice chat or sound effects from the game or other players, either for focus or to avoid disruptive behavior. It's a common feature in multiplayer games for managing communication.
Macrogame - Macrogame
oThe macrogame involves long-term strategies or planning that affect gameplay over extended periods, beyond individual matches or sessions. It's particularly relevant in strategy games where preparation, resource management, and foresight are key.
Moral Choice - Moral choice
oMoral choices in games present players with decisions that have ethical implications, affecting the story, character relationships, or game outcomes. These choices can offer different paths or endings, emphasizing narrative depth and player agency.
Multiplayer Map - Multiplayer map
oA multiplayer map is a specifically designed area for multiplayer game modes, tailored for strategic gameplay, objectives, or combat. These maps are crucial for balancing gameplay, providing varied environments for different tactical approaches.
Mashup - Mashup (video gaming)
oA mashup in video gaming refers to a game that combines elements from different genres, franchises, or styles, creating a unique gameplay experience. It might blend mechanics, themes, or even cross over characters from different games or media.
NPC (Non-Player Character) - Non-player character
oAn NPC is any character in a video game not controlled by a player, often serving roles like quest givers, shopkeepers, or background populace. They can range from simple, scripted roles to complex AI-driven entities with their own stories or interactions.
Nerf - Nerf (video gaming)
oTo nerf something in gaming means to reduce its power or effectiveness, usually to balance gameplay. This can involve adjusting damage, cooldowns, or other attributes of characters, weapons, or abilities.
New Game Plus - New Game Plus
oNew Game Plus is a game mode where players can start the game over with some or all of their previous progress retained, like levels, items, or abilities. It adds replay value by allowing players to experience the game with a different challenge level or perspective.
Narrative - Narrative in video games
oThe narrative in video games refers to the story or plot that drives the game's events and character development. It's crucial for player engagement, providing context, motivation, and often branching paths based on player decisions.
Netcode - Netcode
oNetcode is the programming that handles online multiplayer interactions, focusing on latency, synchronization, and data transfer between players. Good netcode can significantly improve the feel and fairness of online play.
No-Clip - No-clip
oNo-clip mode allows players to move through walls, floors, or other obstacles without collision, often used for debugging or exploring game worlds beyond intended boundaries. It's sometimes accessible through cheats or developer tools.
Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Switch
oThe Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console by Nintendo that can be used both as a home console with a TV and as a portable device. It's known for its versatility, innovative controllers, and a library featuring both new releases and classic titles.
Nemesis System - Nemesis System
oThe Nemesis System, introduced in "Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor," creates unique, evolving enemy characters based on player interactions. It allows for personal rivalries, where enemy leaders remember and adapt to the player's actions, enhancing the story and gameplay.
Non-linear Gameplay - Non-linear gameplay
oNon-linear gameplay offers players choices in how they progress through the game, often allowing for different routes, story outcomes, or exploration freedom. It contrasts with linear games by providing a more open-ended experience.
Nightmare Mode - Nightmare mode
oNightmare Mode, or similar extreme difficulty settings, ramps up game challenges to an intense level, often beyond what was experienced in normal playthroughs. It's designed for players seeking the ultimate test of skill and strategy.
Niche Game - Niche game
oA niche game targets a specific, often smaller audience with unique gameplay mechanics, themes, or cultural references. These games might not have mass appeal but can garner a dedicated fanbase.
Node - Node (video gaming)
oIn games, particularly in strategy or RPG contexts, a node can refer to a point of interest on maps or skill trees, where players make choices that affect progression or gameplay. Nodes can represent locations, abilities, or narrative decisions.
Noob - Noob
oNoob is gaming slang for a novice or inexperienced player, often used derogatorily to describe someone who makes basic mistakes. However, it can also be used more lightheartedly to refer to anyone new to a game or genre.
Null Zone - Null zone
oA null zone in games refers to an area where certain abilities or effects do not work, often used to balance gameplay or create specific challenges. It might be used in competitive games to ensure fairness in combat scenarios.
Naval Combat - Naval combat (video gaming)
oNaval combat in video games involves battles between ships, often with historical or fantasy settings, requiring tactics like maneuvering, firing cannons, or boarding. Games might focus on realistic ship handling or more arcade-like action.
Narrative Designer - Narrative designer
oA narrative designer crafts the story elements of a game, ensuring narrative consistency, character development, and the integration of story with gameplay. They work on dialogue, plot, and how player choices affect the narrative.
Nostalgia - Nostalgia in video games
oNostalgia in video games refers to the emotional response players have to games reminiscent of their past or classic gaming eras. Games can leverage this by remaking old titles, using retro graphics, or reviving old franchises.
Netplay - Netplay
oNetplay refers to the technology enabling online play between different gaming systems or emulators, often for games not originally designed for online multiplayer. It allows for competitive or cooperative gameplay across networks.
Nerf Gun - Nerf gun (video gaming)
oNerf guns in video games are typically represented as toy or less lethal weapons, often used in games aimed at younger audiences or for light-hearted, non-serious combat. They might mimic the real-world Nerf blasters in mechanics or aesthetics.
Narrative Driven - Narrative-driven game
oA narrative-driven game prioritizes story over other gameplay elements, with the plot often dictating gameplay mechanics or player choices. These games focus on storytelling, character arcs, and can offer deep, immersive experiences.
Notification - Notification (video gaming)
oIn video games, notifications alert players to new messages, events, or changes in game status, like friend requests, achievements, or server updates. They're crucial for keeping players informed without interrupting gameplay.
Number Crunching - Number crunching
oNumber crunching in gaming refers to the analysis of stats, probabilities, or game mechanics to optimize gameplay or character builds. It's particularly relevant in RPGs or strategy games where numbers dictate damage, success rates, or resource management.
Ninja Looting - Ninja looting
oNinja looting is when a player in a multiplayer setting takes valuable loot intended for others or the group, often considered unethical. It can lead to conflict and mistrust within gaming communities.
Non-Diegetic - Non-diegetic
oNon-diegetic elements in video games are those outside the game's world, like background music or UI sounds that characters within the game wouldn't hear. They're used to enhance mood, guide gameplay, or provide feedback without affecting the narrative directly.
Newbie - Newbie
oA newbie is another term for a new or inexperienced player, similar to "noob" but often used without the negative connotation. It emphasizes the stage of learning and exploration rather than inexperience as a fault.
Open World - Open world
oAn open-world game features a large, freely explorable environment where players can choose how to interact with the game world. This contrasts with linear gameplay, offering freedom in exploration, mission selection, and sometimes even influencing the game's narrative.
Online Gaming - Online gaming
oOnline gaming involves playing video games over the Internet, allowing for interaction with other players globally. It includes various genres from MMORPGs to competitive multiplayer games, emphasizing connectivity and community.
Overworld - Overworld
oThe overworld is the main, often expansive, area of a game where players navigate between different zones, dungeons, or levels. It's typically used in RPGs to provide a sense of scale and freedom, contrasting with more contained gameplay areas.
One-Hit KO - One-hit knockout
oA one-hit KO, or knockout, refers to an attack or scenario in a game where one hit can defeat an enemy or player, regardless of health. This can be a game mechanic, challenge mode, or result from powerful moves or critical hits.
Optimization - Optimization (video gaming)
oOptimization in video games involves improving performance, reducing lag, or enhancing graphics without compromising playability. Developers often optimize games post-launch or for different hardware to ensure smooth gameplay across various platforms.
Origin Story - Origin story
oAn origin story in gaming details the background or beginning of a character, event, or the game's universe. It provides depth to characters, motivations, or sets the stage for the narrative that follows.
Overlay - Overlay (video gaming)
oAn overlay in video games is an on-screen display that provides additional information or features without interrupting gameplay. This can include player stats, mini-maps, or third-party applications like stream overlays for live broadcasts.
Outfit - Outfit (video gaming)
oOutfits or skins in games are cosmetic changes to a character's appearance, often available for purchase or as rewards. They don't affect gameplay mechanics but allow for personalization and can be a significant aspect of player expression.
Obstacle - Obstacle (video gaming)
oAn obstacle in video games is anything that blocks, hinders, or challenges the player's progress, from physical barriers to puzzles. Overcoming obstacles is central to gameplay, often requiring skill, strategy, or specific abilities.
Object Interaction - Object interaction
oObject interaction refers to how players engage with items or environmental elements within the game world. This can range from picking up items, using tools, to manipulating the environment for puzzle-solving or combat.
Original Soundtrack (OST) - Original soundtrack
oAn OST is the collection of music composed specifically for a video game, contributing to its atmosphere, narrative, and emotional impact. These soundtracks are often celebrated, with some becoming iconic in the gaming community.
Open Beta - Open beta
oAn open beta is a pre-release version of a game available to the public for testing, gathering feedback, and ironing out bugs before the official launch. Unlike closed betas, anyone can join an open beta without needing an invitation.
Off-Tank - Off-tank
oAn off-tank in team-based games, particularly MMORPGs, supports the main tank by taking some aggro or providing additional defensive capabilities. They offer flexibility in combat, often with unique abilities to control, distract, or protect.
Overpower (OP) - Overpowered
oSomething described as "OP" or overpowered in gaming has attributes or capabilities far exceeding what is considered balanced or fair. This can lead to community debates, calls for nerfs, or even changes in game design.
Out-of-Bounds - Out-of-bounds (video gaming)
oOut-of-bounds areas are parts of the game world not intended for player access, often hidden by walls or invisible barriers. Exploring these areas, usually through glitches or cheats, can reveal unfinished content or break the game's logic.
One-Shot - One-shot (video gaming)
oA one-shot in gaming can refer to defeating an enemy with a single attack or to speedruns where the player aims to complete the game in one go without dying or restarting. It's a testament to skill, game knowledge, or sometimes luck in RNG-based scenarios.
Online Pass - Online pass
oAn online pass was a system where players needed to buy a one-time code to access online features of a game, particularly popular in the early 2010s. This practice has largely fallen out of favor due to backlash over additional costs for multiplayer access.
Orb - Orb (video gaming)
oOrbs in games can represent various things from collectibles that increase stats or health to mystical items with game-changing effects. They're often used in RPGs or adventure games to symbolize power, magic, or valuable rewards.
Overwatch - Overwatch (video game)
oOverwatch refers specifically to the Blizzard team-based shooter where players choose from a roster of heroes with unique abilities. More broadly, "overwatch" might describe a tactical position in games where one player covers or watches over others.
Overtime - Overtime (video gaming)
oIn multiplayer games, overtime extends play when the match would otherwise end in a tie, giving teams a chance to secure victory. It's a mechanic to ensure there's always a winner, often with escalating tension or altered rules.
Online Marketplace - Online marketplace (gaming)
oAn online marketplace within games allows players to buy, sell, or trade items, often using in-game or real-world currency. These can be official systems or community-driven, affecting game economies and player interactions.
Omnidirectional - Omnidirectional (video gaming)
oOmnidirectional in gaming refers to movement or attacks that can occur in any direction, not just left, right, up, or down. This term is often used in discussions about control schemes or game design for more fluid gameplay.
On-Demand Content - On-demand content
oOn-demand content in gaming allows players to access additional game elements, like missions or cosmetic items, whenever they choose. This can be through in-game purchases, subscriptions, or event triggers, providing flexibility and personalization.
Output Lag - Output lag
oOutput lag is the delay between when a game processes an action and when that action is displayed on the screen. It can affect gameplay in fast-paced games, where every millisecond counts for reaction time.
Origin System - Origin System
oThe Origin System refers to EA's digital distribution platform for purchasing and playing video games. It's akin to Steam or Epic Games Store, offering both EA titles and third-party games, along with social features and cloud saving.
Platformer - Platform game
oA platformer, or platform game, focuses on jumping between suspended platforms, avoiding obstacles, and sometimes engaging in combat. It often emphasizes timing, precision, and puzzle-solving within a 2D or 3D environment.
PvP (Player vs. Player) - Player vs. player
oPvP refers to gameplay where human players compete directly against each other, often in combat or strategy games. It can range from duels to massive battles, testing player skills, tactics, and knowledge.
Patch - Patch (computing)
oA patch is an update released by developers to fix bugs, balance gameplay, or add new content to a video game. Patches can significantly alter game mechanics, balance, or even the storyline based on player feedback or discovered issues.
Puzzle Game - Puzzle video game
oPuzzle games challenge players to solve problems using logic, pattern recognition, or strategic thinking. They can range from simple match-three games to complex narrative-driven puzzles.
Procedural Generation - Procedural generation
oProcedural generation creates game content like levels, landscapes, or items algorithmically, rather than manually designed. It allows for unique experiences each playthrough, enhancing replayability and reducing development time for vast game worlds.
Power-Up - Power-up
oA power-up is an item or event in games that temporarily or permanently enhances the player's abilities or attributes. Common examples include speed boosts, extra lives, or weapon upgrades.
Permadeath - Permadeath
oPermadeath, or permanent death, means that once a character dies, they are gone for good, often used to increase game difficulty or stakes. This mechanic is popular in roguelikes, where it adds tension and consequences to every decision.
Physics Engine - Physics engine
oA physics engine simulates realistic physical interactions in games, like gravity, collisions, or fluid dynamics. It's crucial for games where environmental interaction, destruction, or realistic movement is key.
Pixel Art - Pixel art
oPixel art refers to digital art where images are edited at the pixel level, often reminiscent of older video games. It's used for nostalgia, artistic choice, or in indie games to create a distinct visual style.
Party System - Party system (video gaming)
oA party system allows players to group together, often sharing experience, resources, and tackling challenges as a team. It's common in RPGs where coordination and complementary character roles enhance gameplay.
Point-and-Click - Point-and-click
oPoint-and-click games involve interacting with the game world by clicking on objects or characters to advance the story or solve puzzles. They are typically associated with adventure games, emphasizing narrative and exploration.
Progression System - Progression system
oA progression system tracks and rewards player advancement through levels, skills, or gear, providing a sense of growth and achievement. It can involve experience points, skill trees, or unlocking new gameplay elements.
Pay-to-Win - Pay-to-win
oPay-to-win describes games where players can purchase advantages over others, potentially skewing balance and fairness. This model is controversial, as it can affect competitive integrity and player experience.
Port - Porting (video games)
oPorting involves adapting a video game from one platform to another, which might require adjustments for controls, graphics, or performance. Successful ports ensure the game retains its essence while fitting the new system's capabilities.
Pause Menu - Pause menu
oThe pause menu allows players to temporarily halt gameplay to access options like saving, adjusting settings, or viewing maps. It's a fundamental feature for player convenience and control over the gaming experience.
PvPvE - PvPvE
oPvPvE stands for Player vs. Player vs. Environment, describing scenarios where players must manage both player and AI threats. This dynamic can create complex gameplay, as players must balance competition with survival against environmental challenges.
Playthrough - Playthrough
oA playthrough is a complete run or session of playing through a game, often documented for guides or entertainment. It can refer to different styles like speedruns, 100% completion, or no-death challenges.
Polygon - Polygon (computer graphics)
oIn video games, polygons are the basic geometric shapes used to construct 3D models, affecting detail and performance. Higher polygon counts generally allow for more detailed models but require more processing power.
Parallax Scrolling - Parallax scrolling
oParallax scrolling creates a depth effect in 2D games by moving background layers at different speeds relative to the foreground. It enhances the visual experience, making the game world feel more immersive and dynamic.
Pro Controller - Pro Controller
oA Pro Controller, like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, is a premium gamepad offering enhanced features or comfort over standard controllers. They often include additional buttons, better ergonomics, or longer battery life for a superior gaming experience.
Prequel - Prequel (video gaming)
oA prequel game takes place before the events of another game in the same series, exploring backstories or events that led to the original narrative. It can provide insight into character origins or expand the lore of the game universe.
Pixel Hunting - Pixel hunting
oPixel hunting is when players must meticulously search the screen for small, often crucial, items or clues, especially in older adventure games. It's criticized for slowing down gameplay and can be mitigated with better game design or hints.
Progression Lock - Progression lock
oA progression lock or gate prevents players from advancing until certain conditions or requirements are met, like skill level, items, or story points. It's used to structure gameplay, manage difficulty, or guide narrative progression.
PvP Arena - PvP arena
oA PvP arena is a designated area within a game designed specifically for player vs. player combat, often with balanced or unique rules. Arenas provide a controlled environment for competitive play, testing player skills in isolation from other game elements.
Pacing - Pacing (video gaming)
oPacing in video games refers to the rhythm or speed at which gameplay unfolds, balancing action, downtime, and progression. Good pacing keeps players engaged, offering variety between intense moments and opportunities for exploration or reflection.
Quick Time Event (QTE) - Quick time event
oA Quick Time Event requires players to press buttons or perform actions within a very short time frame, often during cinematic sequences. It's used to add interactivity to cutscenes or to increase player engagement in critical gameplay moments.
Quest - Quest (video gaming)
oA quest in video games is a task or series of tasks given to the player, usually advancing the story or providing rewards. Quests can range from main story arcs to side activities, enriching the game world and player experience.
Quicksave - Quicksave
oQuicksave allows players to save their game state with a single, quick command, often without navigating menus. It's especially useful in games where timing or frequent saves are crucial for progress or avoiding setbacks.
Quagmire - Quagmire (video gaming)
oIn gaming, a quagmire can refer to a situation or area where players become stuck or face overwhelming challenges, often metaphorically. It might be an actual swamp in a game or a complex puzzle that feels like a quagmire to solve.
Queue - Queue (video gaming)
oIn multiplayer games, a queue is where players wait to join a match or game session, often to ensure balanced teams or server readiness. Queuing systems aim to match players based on skill, latency, or game type preferences.
Quench - Quench (video gaming)
oQuench in gaming contexts might refer to satisfying or extinguishing something like thirst, fire, or a character's need. It could be an action or item effect in survival games where managing resources is key.
Quickscope - Quickscoping
oQuickscoping is a technique in first-person shooters where a player briefly aims down the scope to shoot, then quickly returns to hip-fire. It's known for requiring precise timing and skill, often used to achieve one-shot kills.
Quilt - Quilt (video gaming)
oIn games, particularly those involving crafting or survival, a quilt might be an item for warmth or decoration. However, the term can also be used metaphorically to describe how various game elements or levels are pieced together.
Quagmire Effect - Quagmire effect
oThe quagmire effect in gaming refers to scenarios where players dive into complex, often time-consuming challenges with little immediate reward. It's typically discussed in terms of game design where players might feel bogged down by certain mechanics or content.
Quad Damage - Quad Damage
oQuad Damage is an iconic power-up from games like Quake, which temporarily quadruples the damage of the player's attacks. It's a sought-after item in multiplayer settings, dramatically shifting the balance of combat.
Quick Match - Quick match
oQuick Match is a game mode or feature where players are automatically matched into games with minimal wait time, often without specific preferences. It's designed for players looking for immediate action rather than waiting for a perfect match.
Quell - Quell (video gaming)
oQuell can refer to actions or mechanics in games aimed at subduing or stopping an enemy or event, often in strategy or management games. It might involve calming riots, putting down rebellions, or simply pacifying an NPC.
Quest Marker - Quest marker
oA quest marker is an in-game indicator, often on a map or minimap, showing where players need to go for quests or objectives. It helps guide players, reducing the frustration of getting lost but sometimes criticized for making exploration too straightforward.
Quality of Life (QoL) - Quality of life (video gaming)
oQoL improvements in video games are changes made to enhance player experience without altering core gameplay, like better UI, faster load times, or more intuitive controls. These updates aim to make the game more enjoyable or less frustrating.
Quagmire Puzzle - Quagmire puzzle
oA quagmire puzzle is a complex, often convoluted puzzle that might feel overwhelming due to its depth or the number of steps needed to solve it. These puzzles challenge players' patience and problem-solving skills, sometimes to the point of frustration.
Quest Log - Quest log
oA quest log is a feature in RPGs or adventure games that lists active quests, their objectives, and progress. It serves as a player's guide to keep track of multiple story threads or tasks.
Quintessence - Quintessence (video gaming)
oQuintessence in games might be used to denote an ultimate or purest form of something, like magical energy or a rare item. It often signifies the most powerful or essential element within the game's lore or mechanics.
Quick Recovery - Quick recovery
oQuick recovery in gaming refers to mechanics or items that allow characters to regain health, stamina, or other attributes swiftly. This can be crucial in fast-paced games where every second counts in combat or survival situations.
Quarantine Zone - Quarantine zone (video gaming)
oA quarantine zone in games is an area where players must enter with caution, often due to high enemy activity, environmental hazards, or narrative reasons. It's used to create tension or to signify areas of unique challenge or story significance.
Quest Giver - Quest giver
oA quest giver is an NPC who provides players with missions or tasks, advancing the storyline or offering side content. They are pivotal for narrative progression, character interaction, and player engagement.
Quake Engine - Quake engine
oThe Quake engine was the game engine behind the influential FPS "Quake", known for its advanced 3D graphics at the time. It has been the foundation for many mods, fan games, and even official titles due to its modding capabilities and open-source release.
Quick Load - Quick load
oQuick Load is the counterpart to quicksave, allowing players to load a previously saved game state rapidly. It's essential for quickly retrying failed attempts or restoring progress without navigating through menus.
Quest Chain - Quest chain
oA quest chain consists of a series of related quests that must be completed in a specific order, often telling a continuous story or leading to a significant reward. They provide structure and narrative depth to the gaming experience.
Quartermaster - Quartermaster (video gaming)
oIn games, a quartermaster character might manage supplies, equipment, or act as a vendor for military-themed games. They're pivotal for resource management, especially in strategy or simulation games where logistics are key.
Quick Chat - Quick chat
oQuick chat refers to a system in multiplayer games where players can select from pre-written messages for fast communication. It's used to convey simple instructions or emotions without typing, enhancing gameplay flow in team-based or competitive scenarios.
RPG (Role-Playing Game) - Role-playing video game
oAn RPG is a genre where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting, often involving quests, character progression, and deep storytelling. Players can customize their characters, make choices that affect the game world, and engage in combat or dialogue systems.
Roguelike - Roguelike
oRoguelikes are characterized by procedurally generated levels, permadeath, and turn-based gameplay, inspired by the original game "Rogue". They emphasize exploration, strategy, and dealing with unpredictable challenges each playthrough.
Respawn - Respawn
oRespawn refers to the act of a character or player reappearing after death or leaving the game area, often at a designated point. It's a key mechanic for maintaining gameplay flow in multiplayer or action games, preventing permanent setbacks.
RTS (Real-Time Strategy) - Real-time strategy
oRTS games involve managing resources, building structures, and commanding units in real-time, with no pause in the action. Players must think quickly to outmaneuver opponents, balancing economic and military strategies.
Raid - Raid (video gaming)
oA raid in video games, particularly MMORPGs, is a large-scale, challenging activity requiring coordination among numerous players. These often involve defeating powerful bosses or completing complex objectives for significant rewards.
Rage Quit - Rage quit
oRage quitting is when a player leaves a game abruptly out of frustration, anger, or disappointment. It's generally considered poor sportsmanship, potentially affecting team dynamics or match outcomes in multiplayer games.
Random Encounter - Random encounter
oRandom encounters are unscheduled battles or events triggered by moving through certain areas in games, often used in RPGs to keep players on guard. They add unpredictability and can be a source of both challenge and resource management.
Reload - Reload (video gaming)
oIn games involving firearms, reloading is the action of replenishing ammunition in a weapon, often with a period of vulnerability. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy, requiring players to manage ammo and timing during combat.
Reactive AI - Reactive AI
oReactive AI in video games responds to player actions or environmental changes in real-time, providing a more dynamic and challenging gameplay experience. It's used to create more believable or adaptable NPC behaviors, from enemies to friendly characters.
Remaster - Remaster
oA remaster is an updated version of an older game with enhanced graphics, sound, or minor gameplay tweaks, but retains the core gameplay. It's aimed at bringing classic games to modern audiences with improved technical quality.
RPG Elements - RPG elements
oRPG elements include features like leveling up, experience points, character customization, or decision-making that influence the game, added to non-RPG games for depth. These elements can enhance player engagement in diverse genres by adding progression or narrative layers.
Rollback Netcode - Rollback netcode
oRollback netcode is a technique used in online gaming to reduce perceived latency by predicting player actions and correcting them if needed. It provides smoother gameplay in fast-paced games by minimizing the impact of network lag.
Runner Game - Endless running game
oRunner games, or endless runners, have players control characters that move forward automatically, with the challenge in avoiding obstacles. They focus on reflexes, timing, and sometimes collecting items, offering high replayability.
Reboot - Reboot (video gaming)
oA reboot in gaming refers to restarting a franchise with a new narrative or gameplay direction, often to revitalize interest. It might keep some elements of the original but generally aims to redefine the series.
Resource Management - Resource management (video gaming)
oResource management involves players managing in-game assets like money, materials, or energy to progress or strategize. It's fundamental in strategy games, survival games, or any game where scarcity influences decision-making.
RPG Maker - RPG Maker
oRPG Maker is a series of software tools for creating role-playing games without extensive programming knowledge. It has democratized game development, allowing creators to craft their stories and worlds with pre-made assets and systems.
Regen - Regeneration (video gaming)
oRegen, short for regeneration, refers to the automatic recovery of health or other attributes over time. It's a gameplay mechanic that can change combat dynamics, encouraging more aggressive playstyles or strategic retreats.
Rogue-lite - Rogue-lite
oRogue-lites share roguelike traits like procedural generation and random elements but often include permanent progression or less harsh permadeath. They blend the challenge of roguelikes with more forgiving or player-friendly mechanics.
Retcon - Retcon
oRetcon, short for "retroactive continuity", involves changing or revising established facts in a game's lore or narrative. It's used to correct inconsistencies, refresh a series, or adapt stories to new directions.
Rhythm Game - Rhythm game
oRhythm games require players to perform actions in sync with musical beats, testing timing and rhythm accuracy. They range from simple tap games to complex scenarios involving dance, music composition, or instrument simulation.
Ranged Combat - Ranged combat
oRanged combat involves attacking from a distance with weapons like guns, bows, or magic, contrasting with melee combat. It introduces tactical elements like cover usage, accuracy, and ammo management into gameplay.
Rarity - Rarity (video gaming)
oRarity in games refers to how common or scarce an item or character is, often affecting its value or power. Systems like color-coded tiers (e.g., common, rare, legendary) help players understand the worth or uniqueness of game elements.
Replay Value - Replay value
oReplay value describes how much enjoyment or new content a game offers on subsequent playthroughs. Features like multiple endings, secrets, or different character paths contribute to a game's replay value.
Reset - Reset (video gaming)
oResetting in games might mean starting a level or scenario over, often to retry after a failure or to optimize performance. It can also refer to clearing progress or settings to return to an initial state.
RPG Class - Character class
oAn RPG class defines a character's role with specific abilities, strengths, and weaknesses in role-playing games. Classes like warrior, mage, or thief provide different gameplay experiences and strategic options within a team or party.
Sandbox - Sandbox game
oA sandbox game provides players with a large, open world where they can freely experiment, build, or destroy with minimal restrictions. Games like "Minecraft" exemplify this genre, focusing on creativity and exploration rather than a linear narrative.
Save Point - Save point
oA save point is a designated location in a game where players can save their progress, often critical in games without autosave features. They're typically marked by unique objects or areas in the game world.
Stealth Game - Stealth game
oStealth games emphasize avoiding detection, using tactics like hiding, sneaking, or misdirection rather than direct combat. Titles like "Metal Gear Solid" or "Thief" challenge players with environments designed for stealth mechanics.
Skill Tree - Skill tree
oA skill tree is a visual representation of character progression, allowing players to choose and upgrade abilities through interconnected nodes. It provides a strategic aspect to character development, offering different paths tailored to play styles.
Spawn - Spawn (video gaming)
oTo spawn means the appearance of players, enemies, or items in a game, often at predetermined points or randomly generated locations. It's crucial for gameplay flow in both single and multiplayer environments.
Split-Screen - Split-screen (video gaming)
oSplit-screen allows multiple players to play on the same screen, with the display divided into sections for each player. It's a nostalgic feature for local multiplayer, enhancing social gameplay experiences.
Strategy Game - Strategy video game
oStrategy games require players to plan and execute tactics, manage resources, and often engage in combat or diplomacy. They can be real-time or turn-based, focusing on intellectual challenge rather than quick reflexes.
Speedrun - Speedrun
oA speedrun is an attempt to complete a game or specific section as quickly as possible, often involving unique strategies, glitches, or exploits. It's a competitive and communal aspect of gaming where players strive to set new records.
Side Quest - Side quest
oSide quests are additional tasks or stories not central to the main plot but offer extra gameplay, rewards, or lore. They enrich the game world, providing players with more content and character development.
Survival Horror - Survival horror
oSurvival horror games focus on atmosphere, resource management, and evading or confronting terrifying creatures. They aim to evoke fear and tension, often through limited ammunition or health supplies.
Simulation - Simulation video game
oSimulations seek to replicate real-world activities or environments, from flying planes to managing cities, for educational or entertainment purposes. They vary widely, focusing on accuracy or providing an accessible experience of complex systems.
Stamina - Stamina (video gaming)
oStamina is a resource in games representing a character's energy or endurance, limiting how often they can perform certain actions like sprinting or attacking. Managing stamina adds a layer of strategy to gameplay, particularly in action or survival games.
Story Mode - Story mode
oStory mode is a single-player campaign where the narrative drives the gameplay, often including character development and plot twists. It's the primary mode for experiencing the game's story and characters.
Soft Lock - Soft lock
oA soft lock occurs when a game becomes temporarily stuck due to a bug or unintended player action, but the player can still interact with some elements. Unlike a hard lock, a soft lock might be resolved by specific actions without needing to restart the game.
Scrolling - Scrolling (video gaming)
oScrolling refers to how the game world moves in relation to the player's view, either horizontally, vertically, or both, to reveal more of the environment. It was a key feature in early platformers and continues to influence game design.
Survival Game - Survival game
oSurvival games challenge players to stay alive in hostile environments by managing resources, crafting, and sometimes building bases. The genre often includes elements like hunger, health, and threats from both environment and creatures.
Skin - Skin (video gaming)
oA skin in gaming is a cosmetic alteration to a character or item's appearance without affecting gameplay mechanics. Skins can be earned, purchased, or customized, offering players a way to express individuality.
Status Effect - Status effect
oStatus effects are temporary conditions that alter a character's abilities, like poison, speed boosts, or invulnerability. They add layers to combat and strategy, requiring players to adapt or exploit these conditions.
Storytelling - Storytelling in video games
oStorytelling in video games encompasses how narratives are conveyed through gameplay, dialogue, cutscenes, or environmental storytelling. It's an art form that engages players, often allowing interaction or choice that affects the story.
Sprint - Sprint (video gaming)
oSprinting in games allows characters to move faster at the cost of stamina or another resource, affecting gameplay pace and strategy. It's a common mechanic in action, survival, or open-world games for quick travel or escape.
Single-Player - Single-player video game
oSingle-player games are designed for one player to experience the game content alone, focusing on narrative, puzzles, or personal challenges. They contrast with multiplayer games, offering a tailored, often more introspective, gaming experience.
Shmup (Shoot 'em up) - Shoot 'em up
oShmups are action games characterized by shooting enemies while navigating through a continuous scrolling environment. They emphasize fast reflexes, pattern recognition, and often feature challenging boss fights.
Sandbox Mode - Sandbox mode
oSandbox mode within games provides an environment with minimal objectives or restrictions, allowing creative freedom or testing mechanics. It's popular in simulation, building, or strategy games, offering a space for experimentation.
Soft Reset - Soft reset
oA soft reset in gaming restarts the current session or level without exiting the game, often used to retry a section immediately. It's useful for speedrunning or when players want to quickly correct mistakes.
Squad - Squad (video gaming)
oA squad in video games refers to a small team or group of players or AI characters working together towards a common goal. This term is often used in tactical shooters or strategy games where coordination is key.
Turn-Based - Turn-based game
oTurn-based gameplay involves players taking actions in sequence rather than simultaneously, allowing for strategic planning. This mechanic is common in strategy and RPG games, where timing and order of actions are crucial.
Tutorial - Tutorial (video gaming)
oA tutorial is an introductory segment designed to teach players the game's controls, mechanics, and objectives. It's essential for easing new players into the game, often interactive and integrated into the story.
Tank - Tank (gaming)
oIn gaming, a tank is a character or role designed to absorb damage, protecting more vulnerable team members. They are pivotal in team compositions, especially in MMORPGs or team-based strategy games.
Texture - Texture (computer graphics)
oTextures are images applied to 3D models to give them surface detail, like color, pattern, or material qualities. Quality textures contribute significantly to a game's visual fidelity and immersion.
Third-Person Shooter (TPS) - Third-person shooter
oA third-person shooter shows the game from behind or over the shoulder of the player's character, offering a broader view of the environment. This perspective can aid in spatial awareness and cover usage compared to first-person shooters.
Time Trial - Time trial
oTime trials are game modes where players aim to complete a level or race in the shortest time possible, emphasizing speed and efficiency. They're common in racing, platformers, or any game where speedrunning is a focus.
Trophy - Achievement (video games)
oTrophies are awards or badges given to players for accomplishing specific tasks or milestones, similar to achievements. They're a part of the PlayStation ecosystem, providing goals beyond the main gameplay.
Trigger - Trigger (video gaming)
oA trigger in gaming can refer to an event or action that initiates a sequence, like starting a cutscene or changing game state. It's often used in level design to control narrative progression or gameplay mechanics.
Twitch Gameplay - Twitch gameplay
oTwitch gameplay requires quick reflexes and fast decision-making, often seen in action, platform, or fighting games. It contrasts with games that require more strategic thought over time.
Tetris Effect - Tetris effect
oThe Tetris Effect describes when players see game elements or patterns in real life due to prolonged play, like imagining fitting shapes in everyday objects. It's named after "Tetris" but can apply to any game with repetitive patterns.
Team Deathmatch (TDM) - Team Deathmatch
oTeam Deathmatch is a multiplayer game mode where two teams compete to reach a certain number of kills or score before the other. It's a staple in first-person shooters, promoting teamwork and combat skills.
Tilt - Tilt (video gaming)
oTilt refers to a state where a player becomes overly emotional or frustrated, leading to poor decision-making. It's a psychological concept in competitive gaming, often resulting from losses or unexpected gameplay events.
Trade - Trade (video gaming)
oTrading in games involves exchanging items, resources, or currency between players or with NPCs. It's a key feature in many MMORPGs and survival games, fostering community interaction and economy.
Tiered Loot - Tiered loot
oTiered loot systems categorize items by rarity or power level, often with names like common, rare, epic, or legendary. This structure influences player goals, encouraging the hunt for higher-tier items.
Tactics - Tactical role-playing game
oTactics games focus on strategic combat, where positioning, terrain, and character abilities play significant roles. They often involve turn-based mechanics, requiring players to plan moves carefully.
Telegraph - Telegraph (video gaming)
oTelegraphing in games refers to visual or audio cues that signal an enemy's upcoming action, giving players a chance to react. It's crucial for fair combat, especially in games where dodging or parrying is key.
Tombstone - Tombstone (video gaming)
oIn gaming, a tombstone might represent where a player died, often holding their dropped items or gear for recovery. It's a visual marker used in many games to help players reclaim lost resources.
Tower Defense - Tower defense
oTower Defense games challenge players to strategically place defensive structures to stop waves of enemies from reaching an objective. They emphasize placement, upgrades, and resource management within a defensive context.
Tail - Tail (video gaming)
oIn gaming, a tail could refer to a character's physical appendage used for gameplay mechanics like swinging or balance. More broadly, "tail" might describe following or tracking in games.
Time Manipulation - Time manipulation (video gaming)
oTime manipulation mechanics allow players to control time's flow, either speeding it up, slowing it down, or reversing actions. This can be central to puzzles, combat strategies, or narrative elements.
Tweening - Tweening (video gaming)
oTweening in video games refers to the process of generating intermediate frames between two images to create smooth animations or transitions. It's a fundamental technique for visual storytelling and character movement.
Theme - Theme (video gaming)
oThe theme of a video game encompasses its central ideas, motifs, or messages, often influencing gameplay, setting, and narrative. Themes can range from exploration and survival to love and betrayal, providing depth to the gaming experience.
Tactile Feedback - Haptic technology
oTactile feedback, or haptic feedback, provides physical sensations to players through controllers or devices, enhancing immersion. Vibrations, force feedback, or even temperature changes can simulate real-world interactions.
Troll - Troll (Internet)
oIn gaming, a troll is someone who deliberately provokes or harasses others for their own amusement, often disrupting gameplay. It's a form of negative online behavior that can affect community environments.
Title Screen - Title screen
oThe title screen is the first interactive screen players see upon starting a game, typically featuring the game's logo, main menu options, and sometimes music or a brief animation. It serves as the gateway to gameplay, setting the tone for the experience.
Unlockable - Unlockable content
oUnlockable content refers to game features, characters, levels, or items that become available through gameplay achievements or progression. They incentivize exploration, replayability, and mastery, adding layers of reward to the game.
Update - Update (video gaming)
oAn update in gaming can include bug fixes, new content, balance changes, or performance improvements released post-launch. Updates keep games fresh, address community feedback, and can extend the life cycle of a game.
User Interface (UI) - User interface in video games
oThe User Interface (UI) is the means by which players interact with the game, including menus, HUD elements, and controls. A well-designed UI enhances gameplay by providing clear, intuitive access to game information and functions.
Upgrade - Upgrade (video gaming)
oUpgrading involves enhancing characters, weapons, or abilities, often through spending resources, experience, or completing challenges. It's a core mechanic in many genres, providing a sense of progression and customization.
Ultima - Ultima (video game series)
oUltima refers to a pioneering series of role-playing games known for their deep narratives, expansive worlds, and complex gameplay. The series has influenced many RPGs with its focus on exploration, combat, and moral choices.
Uncharted Territory - Uncharted territory
oUncharted territory in games signifies areas or content that have not been explored or are unknown to the player, often providing a sense of adventure. It's used to drive exploration in open-world games or to unveil new game mechanics.
Unlimited Ammo - Unlimited ammo
oUnlimited ammo is a cheat, power-up, or game mode where firearms do not require reloading or have infinite ammunition. It's often used for fun or to change the gameplay dynamics significantly.
Underwater Level - Underwater level
oUnderwater levels challenge players with unique mechanics like limited oxygen, altered movement, and often different physics. They provide a change of pace, introducing puzzles or enemies specific to aquatic environments.
Uplink - Uplink (video game)
oUplink is a specific game, but in gaming terms, it can also refer to the process of sending data from the player's machine to a server or another player. In multiplayer contexts, a good uplink is crucial for smooth gameplay.
Utility - Utility (video gaming)
oUtility in games refers to items, abilities, or mechanics that serve practical functions beyond direct combat or progression, like healing, buffing, or unlocking areas. They add depth to gameplay, encouraging strategic use of resources.
Unscripted - Unscripted gameplay
oUnscripted gameplay involves elements that are not predetermined, often generated procedurally or through AI decisions, leading to unique experiences. It contrasts with linear, scripted events, providing replayability and emergent gameplay.
User Experience (UX) - User experience in video games
oUX in video games focuses on how the player feels about the game, encompassing ease of use, enjoyment, and overall satisfaction. Good UX design ensures players feel engaged, competent, and emotionally connected to the game.
Uber - Uber (video gaming)
oUber in gaming slang can refer to something exceptionally powerful or difficult, like an "uber boss" or "uber weapon". It's often used to describe content that significantly exceeds the normal game's challenge or capability.
Uplay - Uplay
oUplay, now known as Ubisoft Connect, is Ubisoft's digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer, and communications service. It allows players to purchase, play, and connect with Ubisoft games across platforms.
Use Item - Use item (video gaming)
oA use item in games is any object that the player can interact with or consume to achieve an effect, like healing, buffing, or solving puzzles. These items are integral to gameplay, affecting strategy and player interaction with the game world.
Unfinished - Unfinished game
oAn unfinished game refers to a title that was released or abandoned without completing all intended content or features. This can result from various reasons like funding issues, technical challenges, or shifts in development focus.
Ult - Ultimate ability
oAn ult, or ultimate ability, is a character's most powerful move or spell, often with a long cooldown or specific conditions to activate. It's a key element in many competitive games, where timing and strategy around its use can be game-changing.
Underdog - Underdog (video gaming)
oIn gaming, an underdog is a player or team expected to lose, often due to lower skill, gear, or ranking. Overcoming as an underdog can be exhilarating, adding to the competitive spirit and narrative of the match.
User-Generated Content (UGC) - User-generated content in video games
oUGC in video games is content created by players, like levels, mods, or skins, that can be shared or integrated into the game. It extends game longevity, community engagement, and offers a personalized gaming experience.
Unit - Unit (video gaming)
oA unit in strategy games or simulations represents an individual character, vehicle, or structure controlled by the player. Managing units effectively is crucial for success, involving tactics, resource allocation, and sometimes character development.
Uncanny Valley - Uncanny valley
oThe uncanny valley effect in video games occurs when characters look and move almost, but not perfectly, like real humans, leading to a sense of discomfort. It's a challenge in character design where realism must be balanced with likability and believability.
Unlocking Mechanism - Unlocking mechanism
oAn unlocking mechanism involves using keys, codes, or achieving specific conditions to access new areas, content, or abilities in games. It's a common gameplay element that drives progression or exploration.
Urban Exploration - Urban exploration in video games
oUrban exploration in games involves navigating through abandoned or secretive urban environments, uncovering stories, secrets, or survival challenges. It combines elements of adventure, stealth, and often horror or mystery.
User Mod - Mod (video gaming)
oA user mod, or modification, is created by the gaming community to alter or expand upon the original game. Mods can range from simple cosmetic changes to entirely new gameplay experiences, significantly extending a game's life.
Upgrading Path - Upgrading path
oAn upgrading path outlines how players can enhance their characters, gear, or abilities through a series of choices or requirements. It often involves decision-making that can lead to different play styles or outcomes based on the upgrades selected.
VR (Virtual Reality) - Virtual reality in video games
oVR in gaming provides an immersive experience where players interact with a simulated 3D environment using specialized headsets. It offers new gameplay mechanics and a sense of presence that traditional games can't replicate.
Voxel - Voxel in video games
oVoxels are 3D pixels used to construct game worlds, offering unique modeling capabilities compared to traditional polygon-based graphics. They allow for detailed, blocky environments, famously seen in games like "Minecraft".
Voice Acting - Voice acting in video games
oVoice acting brings characters to life with spoken dialogue, enhancing storytelling, character development, and player immersion. High-quality voice acting can significantly impact the emotional depth and narrative of a game.
Visual Novel - Visual novel
oVisual novels are interactive stories where gameplay involves reading text, making choices, and sometimes playing minigames. They focus heavily on narrative and character interaction, often with anime-style graphics.
VATS (V.A.T.S.) - V.A.T.S.
oVATS, or Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, from the "Fallout" series, allows players to pause combat and target specific enemy body parts for attacks. It adds a tactical layer to combat, emphasizing strategy over real-time reflexes.
Videogame Music - Video game music
oVideogame music, or VGM, is composed specifically for video games, enhancing the atmosphere, narrative, and emotional impact of gameplay. It ranges from chiptunes to orchestral scores, becoming an art form with a dedicated fanbase.
Venture Capital - Venture capital in video games
oVenture capital in the video game industry refers to funding provided by investors to start-ups or indie developers with high growth potential. It's crucial for bringing innovative or risky projects to life that might not otherwise secure traditional funding.
Version - Version (software)
oA version in gaming refers to a specific release of a game, which might include new content, bug fixes, or balance changes. Tracking versions is essential for updates, patches, and maintaining game integrity across players.
Vita - PlayStation Vita
oThe PlayStation Vita was Sony's handheld game console, known for its high-quality graphics, dual analog sticks, and touch capabilities. It aimed to provide a bridge between portable and console gaming experiences.
Victory Condition - Victory condition
oVictory conditions define what players must achieve to win a game or match, varying from defeating all enemies to achieving specific objectives. They dictate strategy and can be singular or multiple, affecting gameplay dynamics.
VIP (Very Important Player) - VIP (video gaming)
oVIP can refer to a game mode where one player is designated as a high-value target, requiring special protection or capture. It can also denote players who receive special treatment or perks due to their status or contributions within the game community.
Videogame Culture - Video game culture
oVideogame culture encompasses the social, artistic, and economic aspects of gaming, including fan communities, conventions, and the influence on broader pop culture. It's a dynamic field where new trends, genres, and gaming practices evolve.
VR Sickness - VR sickness
oVR sickness, or motion sickness in VR, occurs when the visual input from VR conflicts with the body's sense of balance and movement. It's a significant challenge for developers, requiring careful design to minimize discomfort.
Voxel Engine - Voxel engine
oA voxel engine is a game engine that renders and manipulates environments using voxels, offering unique capabilities in terrain generation and destruction. It's particularly popular in sandbox games for its flexibility in world creation.
Voice Chat - Voice chat in video games
oVoice chat enables real-time communication among players, enhancing teamwork, strategy, and social interaction in multiplayer games. It can be integrated into the game or facilitated by third-party applications.
Virtual Goods - Virtual goods
oVirtual goods are digital items within games that players can buy, trade, or earn, like skins, weapons, or currency. They often form the basis of in-game economies and can be a significant revenue stream for developers.
Venture Mode - Venture mode
oVenture mode might refer to a game mode where players explore randomly generated levels or undertake adventures with uncertain outcomes. It's used to describe gameplay that encourages exploration and discovery.
Video Game Art - Video game art
oVideo game art includes all visual elements of games, from character designs to environmental art, setting the aesthetic tone. It's an evolving field, with artists pushing boundaries using technology to create unique visual experiences.
VGA (Video Graphics Array) - Video Graphics Array
oAlthough an older standard, VGA in gaming terms can refer to the basic graphics capabilities or resolutions supported by early or retro games. It's a reminder of gaming's technological evolution, where VGA was once state-of-the-art.
Voting System - Voting system (video gaming)
oA voting system in games allows players to make collective decisions, like choosing maps, game modes, or even community events. It's often used in multiplayer settings to give players control over their gaming experience.
Venture Capitalist - Venture capitalist in video games
oA venture capitalist in the context of video games is an investor who funds game development, often in exchange for equity or future profits. They play a critical role in the indie and startup gaming scene.
Velocity - Velocity (video gaming)
oVelocity in gaming can refer to the speed at which characters or objects move, affecting gameplay dynamics like combat or navigation. Game physics often include velocity calculations for realistic or stylized movement.
Voxel-based Game - Voxel-based game
oVoxel-based games use voxels to build game worlds, offering distinct visual styles and gameplay mechanics, like full destructibility. They provide a different approach to 3D modeling, emphasizing creativity and manipulation of the game environment.
VIP Membership - VIP membership
oVIP membership in games offers players exclusive benefits, such as early access to content, special items, or ad-free experiences. It's a monetization strategy that rewards loyalty or additional payment with enhanced gameplay or convenience.
Virtual Pet - Virtual pet
oVirtual pets are digital companions in games that require care, feeding, or interaction, simulating real pet ownership. They can be central to gameplay or side activities, providing companionship or tasks within the game world.
World Building - World building
oWorld building in video games involves creating the lore, geography, cultures, and mechanics of the game world. It's crucial for immersion, providing a backdrop for the story and gameplay that feels lived-in and expansive.
Walkthrough - Walkthrough (video gaming)
oA walkthrough is a detailed guide or set of instructions for completing a game, often including strategies for puzzles, combat, or narrative choices. They're invaluable for players seeking help or aiming for 100% completion.
Weapon - Weapon (video gaming)
oWeapons in video games range from traditional arms like swords and guns to fantastical items with unique effects. They define combat styles, progression, and can be central to game mechanics or character customization.
Wii Remote - Wii Remote
oThe Wii Remote, or Wiimote, is a motion-sensing controller for the Nintendo Wii, revolutionizing interaction with games through physical movement. It introduced a broader audience to gaming through its intuitive, gesture-based control system.
Wildcard - Wildcard (video gaming)
oIn gaming, a wildcard can refer to an item or ability that can be used flexibly, often with unpredictable or wide-ranging effects. It might also describe players or teams in competitions who outperform expectations.
Wave-Based - Wave-based gameplay
oWave-based gameplay involves surviving or defeating increasing numbers of enemies that come in waves or rounds. It's common in survival, tower defense, or horde modes, testing player endurance and strategy.
Warp - Warp (video gaming)
oWarping is a mechanic allowing instant or rapid travel between distant points in the game world, often used for fast travel or teleportation. It can be a gameplay feature or a narrative element in games with space or time manipulation themes.
Wipeout - Wipeout (video game series)
o"Wipeout" is a famous series of futuristic racing games, but as a term, it can also mean to completely defeat or eliminate opponents in games. It's used in various contexts to signify an overwhelming victory or the removal of all threats.
Workshop - Steam Workshop
oWorkshop in gaming, particularly through platforms like Steam Workshop, allows players to create, share, and download mods, levels, or skins. It fosters a vibrant community of creators and players, extending the life and content of games.
WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) - WAV
oWAV is an audio file format used in games for high-quality sound effects or music, due to its uncompressed nature. It's crucial for ensuring clear, impactful audio experiences in gaming.
Wearable - Wearable (video gaming)
oWearables in gaming include items like VR gloves, haptic vests, or fitness trackers integrated into gameplay. They aim to enhance immersion or bring health and activity tracking into the gaming experience.
Witch Time - Witch Time
oWitch Time, from the "Bayonetta" series, is a mechanic where successful dodging slows down time, allowing for counter-attacks. It's a key element for mastering combat, emphasizing timing and player skill.
Wipe - Wipe (video gaming)
oA wipe in gaming refers to a party or team failing so badly that they must restart from a checkpoint or the beginning, often in raids or difficult levels. It's a term used in MMORPGs or any cooperative game to describe a total team defeat.
World Map - World map (video gaming)
oA world map is an overview of the entire game world, used for navigation, showing locations of interest, and sometimes for strategic planning. It provides players with a sense of scale and helps in organizing exploration or travel.
Wager - Wager (video gaming)
oWagering in games involves betting in-game or real currency on outcomes, often seen in casino-style games or competitive modes. It adds a layer of risk and reward, influencing player engagement or strategy.
Walk Speed - Walk speed
oWalk speed is the rate at which a character moves normally in a game, distinct from running or other movement types. It's fundamental to gameplay pacing, exploration, and combat tactics.
Wall Jump - Wall jump
oWall jumping is a platforming mechanic where characters can leap off walls to reach higher areas or cross gaps. It requires precise timing and is a signature move in many action and platform games.
Win Condition - Win condition
oA win condition specifies what must be achieved to win a game or match, ranging from defeating opponents to achieving specific goals. It shapes game strategy, objectives, and can vary widely between different game types.
Widescreen - Widescreen in video games
oWidescreen support in games means the game can display correctly on screens with a wider aspect ratio, enhancing the visual experience. It's essential for modern gaming to accommodate different monitor types.
Weather System - Weather system (video gaming)
oA weather system dynamically changes the game's environment with effects like rain, snow, or fog, impacting gameplay or aesthetics. It adds realism, can affect strategy, and contributes to the game's atmosphere.
Wild - Wild (video gaming)
oIn card games or RPGs, "wild" can refer to items or characters that can take on any role or attribute, like a wild card in poker. It introduces unpredictability or versatility in gameplay mechanics.
World Record - World record (video gaming)
oA world record in gaming is the best performance ever recorded for a specific game or challenge, often in speedrunning or high score categories. They're celebrated within gaming communities, pushing players to innovate or master games.
Warp Zone - Warp Zone
oA warp zone is an area in games that allows players to skip to different parts of the game, often hidden and requiring discovery. They're iconic in games like "Super Mario Bros." for altering the linear progression.
Weapon Swap - Weapon swap
oWeapon swapping refers to the ability to quickly change between different weapons or tools during gameplay. It's crucial in action games for adapting to different combat scenarios or puzzles.
Whitelist - Whitelist in gaming
oA whitelist in gaming contexts is a list of approved players, mods, or servers, used for access control or to ensure safety and quality. It's particularly relevant in multiplayer settings or modding communities to manage who can join or what can be used.
Xbox - Xbox (console)
oXbox is Microsoft's video game console brand, starting with the original Xbox in 2001 and evolving through several generations. It's known for its online service, Xbox Live, and a focus on both exclusive titles and multi-platform games.
Xbox Live - Xbox Live
oXbox Live is Microsoft's online multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery service for Xbox consoles. It offers features like matchmaking, voice chat, cloud saves, and access to a library of games through Game Pass.
Xbox Game Pass - Xbox Game Pass
oXbox Game Pass is a subscription service providing access to a catalog of games for Xbox consoles and PC, including new releases on launch day. It's akin to a Netflix for gaming, encouraging exploration of new titles at a flat rate.
X-axis - X-axis in video games
oThe X-axis in video game contexts typically refers to horizontal movement or positioning within a 2D or 3D space. It's fundamental for controlling character movement, camera orientation, or targeting in various genres.
Xbox One - Xbox One
oXbox One is Microsoft's eighth-generation console, released in 2013, focusing on multimedia, backward compatibility, and enhanced online capabilities. It introduced significant changes in interface design and controller features compared to its predecessors.
Xbox Series X/S - Xbox Series X and Series S
oXbox Series X and Series S are Microsoft's ninth-generation consoles, launched in 2020, with Series X being the more powerful model. They emphasize 4K gaming, faster load times, and backwards compatibility with previous Xbox generations.
Xbox Controller - Xbox controller
oThe Xbox controller has evolved through generations, known for its ergonomic design, shoulder buttons, and later, the addition of rumble and triggers. It's become a standard for gamepad design, widely compatible with PCs and other devices as well.
X-Ray Vision - X-Ray vision in video games
oX-Ray vision in games allows players to see through walls or objects, often used for tactical advantages in shooters or to reveal hidden items or secrets. It can be a power-up, ability, or cheat, enhancing gameplay by providing information not normally visible.
Xbox Achievements - Xbox Achievements
oXbox Achievements are digital awards given for completing specific tasks in games on Xbox consoles, contributing to a Gamerscore. They encourage players to explore all aspects of a game, from main objectives to hidden challenges.
Xbox Indie Games - Xbox Live Indie Games
oXbox Live Indie Games was a platform for indie developers to publish games on Xbox 360, offering a low-cost entry for both developers and players. It was discontinued but played a significant role in bringing indie games to a broader audience.
Xbox Kinect - Kinect
oKinect is Microsoft's motion-sensing input device for Xbox consoles, allowing control through body movements, voice commands, and facial recognition. It was introduced to bring more interactive and physical gameplay to the living room.
Xbox SmartGlass - SmartGlass
oSmartGlass was an app that enhanced Xbox gaming by connecting smartphones or tablets to the console, offering second-screen experiences like maps or controls. While the service has evolved, it aimed to deepen player engagement with games and media.
Xenophobic AI - Xenophobic AI
oXenophobic AI refers to game AI that is programmed to attack or fear anything not of its own kind, often used in games with factions or different species. It can lead to interesting strategic gameplay where players must manage or exploit AI biases.
Xbox 360 - Xbox 360
oThe Xbox 360 was Microsoft's seventh-generation console, known for its robust online community, game library, and the introduction of achievements. It played a pivotal role in defining modern gaming with its emphasis on digital distribution and social features.
X-Split - XSplit
oXSplit is a live streaming and recording software used by gamers to broadcast gameplay, often in conjunction with services like Twitch or YouTube. It's popular for its ease of use, quality of output, and integration with various platforms.
X-Ray Kill Cam - X-Ray Kill Cam
oAn X-Ray Kill Cam is a feature in some shooting games that shows the bullet path through an enemy's body after a kill. It adds a graphic, sometimes educational, element to understanding the effectiveness of weapon choices.
Xbox Cloud Gaming - Xbox Cloud Gaming
oXbox Cloud Gaming, part of Xbox Game Pass, allows players to stream games to various devices without needing the game installed locally. It aims to make high-quality gaming accessible on more devices, from smartphones to PCs.
Xbox Play Anywhere - Xbox Play Anywhere
oXbox Play Anywhere is a cross-buy, cross-play feature for certain games, meaning a single purchase grants access on both Xbox and Windows 10, with shared progress. It promotes a seamless gaming experience across Microsoft's ecosystems.
X-Save - X-Save
oX-Save refers to cloud saving on Xbox platforms, allowing players to access their game saves across different devices. It provides convenience and security against local data loss, enhancing the mobility of gaming.
Xen - Xen (Half-Life)
oXen is the alien world in the "Half-Life" series, known for its unique environments and creatures. It serves as a critical setting for the game's narrative and gameplay, introducing players to extraterrestrial challenges.
Xbox Music - Xbox Music
oXbox Music, now known as Groove Music, was Microsoft's music streaming service integrated with Xbox consoles for background music or media consumption. It was part of the broader entertainment ecosystem Microsoft aimed to build around gaming.
Xbox Originals - Xbox Originals
oXbox Originals was a service offering classic Xbox games for download, part of Microsoft's early forays into digital distribution. It's less relevant today but was significant for preserving and redistributing older titles.
Xbox Fitness - Xbox Fitness
oXbox Fitness was an app designed for Xbox One, using Kinect to track and guide through various workout routines. Although discontinued, it represented Microsoft's attempt to blend fitness with the gaming experience.
Xbox Dashboard - Xbox Dashboard
oThe Xbox Dashboard is the main interface for Xbox consoles, providing access to games, apps, settings, and online features. It has evolved over time to be more user-friendly, integrating with social media and media services.
Xbox Backward Compatibility - Xbox backward compatibility
oXbox backward compatibility allows newer Xbox consoles to play games from previous generations, either natively or through emulation. This feature has been a significant selling point, offering a vast library of games to players.
Y-Axis - Y-axis in video games
oThe Y-axis in video games generally refers to vertical movement or positioning, contrasting with the X-axis for horizontal movement. It's used for navigating characters up and down in both 2D and 3D environments.
Yakuza (Series) - Yakuza (series)
oThe Yakuza series by Sega focuses on action-adventure gameplay set in a detailed depiction of modern Japan, involving crime, drama, and cultural elements. It's renowned for its deep narrative, side activities, and the blend of combat with everyday life simulations.
Yield - Yield (video gaming)
oIn gaming, yield can refer to the resources or rewards players gain from activities like farming or completing tasks. It's a term often used in strategy games to describe the output or benefit from specific actions or structures.
Yggdrasil - Yggdrasil in video games
oYggdrasil, from Norse mythology, appears in various games as a world tree or a central concept, symbolizing connectivity among different realms or levels. Games like "Tales of Symphonia" use it as a narrative device or gameplay mechanic.
Yoke - Yoke in video gaming
oA yoke in gaming refers to a control device shaped like an aircraft's steering wheel, used primarily in flight simulators for more realistic control. It provides a physical interaction that mimics actual flying, enhancing immersion.
Y2K - Y2K in video games
oY2K refers to the Year 2000 problem, where some systems might fail due to date representation issues. In video games, this was more about ensuring games worked past the year 2000, with some titles even incorporating it into their narrative or puzzles.
Yeti - Yeti in video games
oThe Yeti or similar mythical creatures appear in various games as enemies, bosses, or even playable characters. They add elements of mystery, folklore, and often serve as unique challenges or collectibles.
Yo-Yo - Yo-yo (video gaming)
oIn games, a yo-yo can be an unconventional weapon or tool, often with unique mechanics like returning to the user or being used for puzzle-solving. It's seen in titles like "EarthBound" where it's both a weapon and a playful nod to childhood.
Yard - Yard in video games
oIn gaming, "yard" can refer to an area or space within a game, often used in games with sports, farming, or outdoor settings. It might be used to describe the playing field in baseball games or a customizable area in simulation games.
Yakuza-Like - Yakuza-like games
oYakuza-like games are those inspired by the Yakuza series, featuring open-world Japanese settings, combat, and a focus on narrative and character development. They often include elements like mini-games, side stories, and a mix of serious and light-hearted moments.
Yield Sign - Yield sign in video games
oA yield sign in video games might be used literally in driving or racing games to indicate where players should slow down or give way. Figuratively, it can represent moments or mechanics where players need to pause, strategize, or wait for an opportunity.
Yard Sale - Yard sale in video games
oIn sports games, particularly skiing or snowboarding, a "yard sale" describes when a competitor falls and their equipment scatters around, resembling items at a yard sale. It's used both as a humorous event and a scoring term.
Yin and Yang - Yin and Yang in video games
oYin and Yang in gaming often symbolize balance or duality, influencing game mechanics, character design, or story themes. It can manifest in gameplay where contrasting elements or characters must be balanced or combined for success.
Young Adult - Young Adult in video games
oYoung Adult games target teenagers or young adults, often featuring themes, narratives, or characters that resonate with this demographic. They might focus on coming-of-age stories, identity exploration, or lighter, more relatable adventures.
Yacht - Yacht in video games
oYachts in video games can appear as luxury items to purchase or commandeer, settings for missions, or even as mobile bases. They're often used to depict wealth, status, or to provide unique gameplay areas like in "GTA V".
Yarn - Yarn in video games
oYarn might be used in crafting games as a material for creating items, or in puzzle-platformers like "Yoshi's Woolly World" where it's central to the game's visual and gameplay style. It adds a tactile, often comforting element to the game environment.
Yurt - Yurt in video games
oA yurt in games can represent a traditional, portable dwelling, often used in settings that emphasize survival, exploration, or cultural authenticity. They might serve as shelter, quest locations, or unique architectural elements.
Yieldability - Yieldability (video gaming)
oYieldability in gaming contexts might describe how much a game or its elements can produce or yield in terms of resources, rewards, or experiences. It's used to discuss the efficiency or potential of gameplay mechanics or strategies.
Yoke Control - Yoke Control (video gaming)
oYoke control specifically refers to using a yoke-like device to manipulate game elements, offering a more realistic control mechanism for flight or vehicle simulation games. It's about translating real-world control methods into gaming for enhanced realism.
Youth - Youth in video games
oGames focusing on youth might explore themes of growing up, friendship, school life, or adventures from a young perspective. They often have an educational or moral component, aiming to resonate with or educate younger players.
Yokai - Yokai in video games
oYokai, Japanese spirits or monsters, often feature in games to add cultural depth, challenge players, or serve as companions. Games like "Yo-kai Watch" are centered around these entities, blending traditional folklore with modern gameplay.
Yield Curve - Yield Curve in video games
oWhile not a common term, a yield curve in games could metaphorically represent the progression or return on investment in terms of gameplay or player effort. It might be used to describe how rewards or difficulty scales over time or player level.
Yarn Ball - Yarn Ball in video games
oA yarn ball in games can serve as a collectible, weapon, or puzzle element, often seen in games with a crafting or playful aesthetic. It might be used for thematic levels or as an interactive object in puzzle games.
Yardstick - Yardstick in video games
oIn a gaming context, a yardstick could be a metaphorical measure for comparison, like benchmarking performance or comparing game elements. It's not literal but might be used in discussions about game metrics or player achievements.
Yoke Simulator - Yoke Simulator
oA yoke simulator refers to video games or software specifically designed for use with a yoke controller, focusing on flight simulation. These games offer a detailed and realistic flying experience, often used for training or leisure.
Z-Axis - Z-axis in video games
oThe Z-axis in video games typically refers to depth or forward-backward movement in a 3D space, complementing the X and Y axes. It's essential for games that involve flying, diving, or any movement into or out of the screen.
Zombies - Zombies in video games
oZombies are common enemies in video games, often featuring in survival horror, first-person shooters, or action games. They typically represent an undead threat, challenging players with their numbers and relentless pursuit.
Zero-Gravity - Zero-gravity in video games
oZero-gravity gameplay allows for unique mechanics where traditional movement and physics are altered, often seen in space-themed games. Players might float, need to use propulsion to move, or navigate environments where up and down are relative.
Zelda (The Legend of Zelda) - The Legend of Zelda
o"The Legend of Zelda" is a legendary action-adventure series known for its puzzles, exploration, and narrative depth. It has significantly influenced game design, particularly in terms of open-world exploration and item-based gameplay.
Zoom - Zoom in video games
oZoom refers to the ability to change the camera's field of view in games, either to focus on details or to see a broader area. It's crucial in strategy games for tactical planning or in shooters for aiming.
Z-targeting - Z-targeting
oZ-targeting, from "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time", is a lock-on mechanism that simplifies combat by focusing the camera and attacks on one enemy. It has become a standard feature in many action-adventure and RPG games for managing combat with multiple foes.
Z-buffer - Z-buffer
oA Z-buffer is a depth buffer used in 3D graphics to determine which elements are in front or behind others, aiding in rendering correct visual perspective. It's fundamental for creating realistic 3D environments by handling depth perception.
Zerg Rush - Zerg Rush
oOriginating from "StarCraft", Zerg Rush describes a strategy where players overwhelm opponents with sheer numbers of low-cost units. It has become a term for any gameplay tactic that relies on quantity over quality.
Zap - Zap (video gaming)
oZap can refer to a quick, often electrical, attack in games, commonly seen in sci-fi or fantasy settings. It's used to describe instant damage dealing moves or the act of neutralizing threats swiftly.
Zero Player Game - Zero player game
oA zero player game operates autonomously, with no input from the player, often showcasing AI or procedural generation. These games are more about observing evolving systems or simulations rather than direct interaction.
Zone - Zone (video gaming)
oIn gaming, a zone is a distinct area or level with its own characteristics, challenges, or themes. Zones can separate gameplay segments, control pacing, or introduce new mechanics or enemies.
Zombie Mode - Zombie mode
oZombie mode refers to game modes where players survive against waves of zombies, often with a focus on survival, resource management, and cooperative play. It's popular in games like "Call of Duty: Black Ops" where it adds a different gameplay dynamic.
Zoning - Zoning (video gaming)
oZoning in games, particularly fighting games, refers to controlling space to keep enemies at a distance or to manipulate their positioning. It's a strategy that uses long-range attacks to dictate the flow of battle.
Zapper - NES Zapper
oThe NES Zapper was Nintendo's light gun accessory for the original Nintendo Entertainment System, used in games like "Duck Hunt". It introduced many to the concept of interactive shooting games via light detection technology.
Zord - Zord in video games
oZords, from the "Power Rangers" franchise, appear in games as mechas or robotic suits players can control or summon. They're often involved in high-stakes battles or as part of a transformation sequence.
Zoom-in Camera - Zoom-in Camera
oA zoom-in camera feature allows players to focus on specific areas or objects for detailed interaction or observation. It's used in various genres to enhance the player's ability to engage with the game world or solve puzzles.
Zero Suit - Zero Suit Samus
oZero Suit refers to a character's appearance without their armor, like Zero Suit Samus in the "Metroid" series, offering different abilities or combat styles. It often signifies a more vulnerable or agile version of a character.
Zombie Apocalypse - Zombie apocalypse in video games
oThe zombie apocalypse is a popular setting in video games, where players navigate a world overrun by zombies, focusing on survival, scavenging, and human drama. This theme explores survival horror, resource management, and often, moral decisions.
Z-Move - Z-Move (Pokémon)
oZ-Moves in the "Pokémon" series are powerful, one-time-use moves that can be performed once per battle, enhancing a Pokémon's attack. They require specific items and can dramatically turn the tide of battle.
Z-Fighting - Z-fighting
oZ-fighting is a graphical glitch where two or more surfaces with the same depth compete for display, causing a flickering effect. It's a rendering issue that developers aim to fix to maintain visual coherence.
Zany - Zany in video games
oZany games or elements are characterized by their quirky, unpredictable, or humorous nature, often found in party or casual games. They aim to provide light-hearted, fun experiences through unconventional mechanics or scenarios.
Zero Point - Zero point (video gaming)
oIn some games, a Zero Point could refer to a central, pivotal location or a starting point for gameplay mechanics or narrative. It might also symbolize the reset or beginning of a cycle in games with time or space manipulation themes.
Zombie Survival - Zombie survival games
oZombie survival games challenge players to endure in a world where the undead are the primary threat, emphasizing resource management, crafting, and base-building. They blend horror with survival mechanics, often requiring players to make tough survival choices.
Zoom Blur - Zoom Blur in video games
oZoom blur is a visual effect in games where the camera zooms quickly, creating a blurred image to simulate speed or emphasize movement. It's used for dramatic effect or to convey the rush of speed in racing or action scenes.
Zigzag Path - Zigzag path
oA zigzag path in games can refer to literally navigating through a zigzag pattern or metaphorically to describe erratic or unpredictable gameplay or level design. It's used to challenge player reflexes, navigation skills, or to create more dynamic and engaging environments.
