Video Game Terminology Every Gamer Should Know

Understanding video game terminology is essential for both newcomers and seasoned players alike. This glossary compiles key terms used in gaming, ranging from basic controls and gameplay mechanics to advanced strategies and industry-specific jargon. Whether you’re navigating your first RPG or diving into competitive multiplayer, knowing these terms will enhance your gaming experience and help you communicate effectively within the gaming community. Familiarize yourself with this comprehensive guide to unlock a deeper understanding of the gaming world.

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0451

0451 refers to the numeric code often used as the first door code in immersive sim (immersive simulation) games, such as those developed by Looking Glass Studios, Ion Storm, and Arkane Studios. It originated from the game “System Shock” and has since become a sort of Easter egg in the genre.

Example: In “Deus Ex” and “Prey,” the code 0451 is used to unlock doors, paying homage to the game’s predecessors and creators.

1up

A 1up is a gaming term that originated in arcade games, representing an extra life or an additional chance for the player to continue playing after losing a life. Collecting a 1up item allows the player to avoid game over and progress further in the game.

Example: In the “Super Mario” series, collecting a green mushroom gives Mario a 1up, granting him an extra life.

360 Noscope

A 360 noscope is a trick shot in first-person shooter games where a player performs a 360-degree spin and shoots an opponent without using the aiming scope of their weapon. It’s considered a highly skilled and flashy maneuver, often showcased in montages.

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Achievement

An achievement is a reward or recognition given to players for completing specific tasks or reaching certain milestones within a game. Achievements often encourage players to explore different aspects of the game and can be displayed as badges or trophies.

Example: In “Minecraft,” players can earn the “Diamonds to you!” achievement by throwing diamonds at another player.

Alpha

An alpha of a video game is an early, incomplete stage of development where the game is not yet feature-complete and may contain significant bugs and placeholders. The alpha phase focuses on initial testing of core gameplay mechanics, basic features, and overall stability.

Example: During the alpha phase of “Minecraft,” the game was only available to a limited group of players who provided feedback on the core mechanics and features, helping to shape the final product.

Analog Stick

An analog stick is a control input device commonly found on modern video game controllers. It allows for 360-degree movement, providing more precise and nuanced control compared to digital inputs like the directional pad (D-pad). Analog sticks are essential for controlling character movement and camera angles in many games.

Antialiasing

Antialiasing is a graphical technique used to reduce the visual distortion known as “aliasing,” which manifests as jagged edges on diagonal lines and curves. By smoothing out these edges, antialiasing improves the visual quality of the game, making it appear more polished and realistic.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

In gaming, artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of intelligent behavior in non-player characters (NPCs) by using algorithms and programming techniques. AI enables NPCs to make decisions, react to player actions, and create a more immersive and challenging gameplay experience.

Example: The AI in “The Last of Us Part II” allows enemies to communicate, strategize, and adapt to the player’s tactics, creating a more realistic and engaging combat experience.

Autosave

Autosave is a feature in video games that automatically saves the player’s progress at regular intervals or specific points, such as after completing a level or reaching a checkpoint. This helps prevent loss of progress due to unexpected interruptions, such as power outages or game crashes.

Example: In “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” the game automatically saves the player’s progress when entering new areas, completing quests, or after a set amount of time, ensuring that players do not lose significant progress if they forget to save manually.

Avatar

An avatar is a graphical representation or character that a player controls or embodies in a video game. It can be a customizable character, a predefined hero, or a symbolic figure that represents the player within the game world.

Example: In “The Sims,” players create and control avatars that represent their characters, guiding them through daily activities and interactions.

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Balancing

Balancing refers to the process of adjusting the game mechanics, character abilities, and other elements to ensure fair and enjoyable gameplay. This involves tweaking various aspects to prevent any one feature or character from becoming too powerful or too weak, creating a more balanced and competitive experience for players.

Example: In multiplayer games like “Overwatch,” developers frequently release patches to balance characters’ abilities, ensuring no single hero dominates the game and maintaining a fair playing field for all players.

Bats

In video games, bats, also known as “goddamned bats”, are common enemy creatures that are notorious for flying in erratic patterns and being difficult to hit. While they usually weak and easy to destroy, they can be particularly troublesome in games with knockback or stun locking where bats can interrupt the player’s jumps and knock them into bottomless pits.

Example: In “Castlevania,” bats are frequent enemies that swoop down to attack the player, requiring quick reflexes to avoid or defeat.

Link: TV Tropes

Battle Pass

A battle pass is a system in many online multiplayer games that offers a tiered reward structure, allowing players to unlock various in-game items, such as skins, emotes, and other cosmetics, by progressing through levels. Progression is typically achieved by completing challenges and earning experience points. Battle passes are usually seasonal, lasting a few months.

Example: Games like “Fortnite,” “Apex Legends,” and “Call of Duty: Warzone” feature battle passes that provide exclusive rewards for players who purchase them and complete the associated challenges.

Bitcrushing

Bitcrushing is an audio effect that reduces the resolution or bit depth of a sound, creating a distinctive, gritty, and lo-fi sound that is often associated with early digital audio and retro video games. It can add a nostalgic or intentionally distorted quality to music and sound effects.

Example: Bitcrushing is used in modern music and games to evoke a retro aesthetic, as heard in the soundtracks of games like “Hotline Miami” and “Undertale.”

Bit Wars

The Bit Wars refer to the period of intense competition between video game console manufacturers during the late 1980s and 1990s, primarily focusing on the graphical capabilities of their systems, measured in bits. This era saw companies like Nintendo and Sega vying for dominance by releasing increasingly powerful consoles, such as the 8-bit NES and the 16-bit Sega Genesis.

Example: The rivalry between the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and the Sega Genesis is a classic example of the Bit Wars, where marketing often highlighted the bit capabilities of each console to attract consumers.

Blast Processing

Blast processing is a marketing term coined by Sega during the 1990s to promote the technical capabilities of the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive). It suggested that the console could handle faster processing and graphics performance compared to its competitors, though the term itself had no specific technical basis.

Example: Sega used the concept of blast processing to highlight the Genesis’s ability to run fast-paced games like “Sonic the Hedgehog” with smooth scrolling and responsive controls.

Bonus Stage

A bonus stage, also known as a bonus level, is a special level in a video game that offers players the chance to earn extra points, power-ups, or lives. These stages are typically less challenging and are intended as a reward or a break from the main game.

Example: In “Sonic the Hedgehog,” bonus stages allow players to collect Chaos Emeralds, and in “Super Mario Bros.,” hidden bonus rooms often contain coins and power-ups.

Bootleg

In gaming, a bootleg refers to an unauthorized or illegal copy, imitation, or clone of a video game. These games are often produced without the permission of the original developers or publishers and may feature altered content, poor quality, or misleading branding. Bootleg games are usually sold at a lower price and are often distributed through unofficial channels.

Example: Bootleg versions of popular games like “Pokémon” or “Super Mario” have been found on counterfeit game cartridges and online platforms, sometimes with altered characters and gameplay.

Boss

A boss is a powerful enemy character in a video game that typically serves as a significant challenge for the player. Bosses often appear at the end of levels or stages and require players to employ specific strategies, patterns, or abilities to defeat them. Boss fights are usually more complex and intense than regular encounters.

Example: Iconic bosses like Bowser in “Super Mario Bros.,” Ganon in “The Legend of Zelda,” and Sephiroth in “Final Fantasy VII” are memorable for their challenging battles and significance in their respective games.

Bottomless Pit

A bottomless pit is a common video game obstacle where falling into the pit results in the player’s character’s immediate death or loss of a life, with no visible bottom. This element is often used to increase the difficulty of platforming sections.

Example: In “Super Mario Bros.,” bottomless pits are a frequent hazard that players must jump over to avoid losing a life.

Buff

A buff is a temporary or permanent enhancement to a character’s abilities, stats, or performance within a game. Buffs can be applied through items, skills, or game mechanics, making characters stronger, faster, or more resilient.

Example: In “World of Warcraft,” players can receive buffs from various spells or potions, increasing their health, damage output, or other attributes to improve their effectiveness in combat.

Bunny Hopping

Bunny hopping is a movement technique used in first-person shooter (FPS) games where the player repeatedly jumps to gain or maintain speed and agility. By timing jumps perfectly, players can move faster and more unpredictably than running, making it harder for opponents to target them.

Example: Bunny hopping is a popular technique in games like “Quake,” “Counter-Strike,” and “Half-Life,” where advanced players use it to navigate maps quickly and evade enemy fire.

Button Combo

Button combo refers to a sequence of button presses on a game controller or keyboard that triggers a special move or action within a game. These combos are often used in fighting games and action games to execute powerful attacks or complex maneuvers.

Example: In “Street Fighter,” performing a Hadouken requires a specific button combo: down, forward, and punch.

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Cancelling

Cancelling is a technique in fighting games and other action games where a player interrupts one action to immediately perform another, often to create combos or avoid being punished by an opponent. This can involve cancelling animations or move sequences to gain a strategic advantage.

Example: In “Street Fighter,” players can perform a move cancel by executing a special move before a normal attack animation finishes, allowing for seamless combos.

Cartridge

A cartridge is a removable storage device used to distribute video games, primarily for home consoles and handheld systems. Cartridges contain the game’s data and are inserted into the console to play. They were widely used from the late 1970s to the early 2000s before optical discs and digital downloads became more common.

Example: Classic game systems like the NES, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy used cartridges to store and play games such as “Super Mario Bros.,” “Sonic the Hedgehog,” and “Pokémon Red/Blue.”

Casual Playthrough

A casual playthrough refers to playing a video game without focusing on achieving the highest scores, completing all challenges, or adhering to strict rules. It emphasizes enjoying the game’s story, mechanics, and experience at a relaxed pace, often without aiming for 100% completion or speedrunning.

Example: A casual playthrough of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” might involve exploring the world at one’s leisure, engaging in side quests, and enjoying the narrative without rushing or following a strict path.

Cel Shading

Cel shading is a rendering technique used in video games to give 3D graphics a flat, cartoon-like appearance. This technique emphasizes bold outlines and solid colors, mimicking the look of traditional hand-drawn animation.

Example: “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” uses cel shading to create its distinctive, vibrant art style that resembles an animated film.

Cheat Code

A cheat code is a sequence of inputs or commands entered into a video game to unlock special features, abilities, or effects that are not normally available through regular gameplay. Cheat codes can provide advantages such as infinite lives, invincibility, or unlocking hidden content.

Example: Famous cheat codes include the Konami Code (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start) which grants extra lives in “Contra,” and “IDDQD” for god mode in “DOOM.”

Circle Strafing

Circle strafing is a movement technique where a player continuously moves around an enemy in a circular pattern while maintaining aim on the target. This is often used to dodge attacks and maintain offensive pressure.

Example: In “DOOM,” players frequently use circle strafing to avoid enemy projectiles while keeping their weapons trained on the target to deal consistent damage.

Clipping

Clipping refers to the graphical glitch or phenomenon where a character or object passes through another object or surface in a video game, breaking the illusion of physical boundaries. This can occur due to programming errors or limitations in the game’s physics engine.

Example: In some games, players might notice their character’s hand or weapon clipping through walls or other solid objects, disrupting the visual continuity.

Collision

Collision refers to the interaction between objects in a game world when they come into contact with each other. The game’s physics engine determines how objects collide, react, and interact, affecting gameplay elements like movement, damage, and environmental interaction.

Example: In platformers like “Super Mario Bros.,” collision detection ensures that Mario lands on platforms, bumps into enemies, and interacts with various objects in the game world.

Combo

A combo is a sequence of actions or attacks performed in rapid succession to achieve a cumulative effect, often resulting in higher damage or score. Combos are common in fighting games, beat ’em ups, and some action games, rewarding players for executing precise and continuous moves.

Example: In “Street Fighter,” executing a series of punches and kicks in quick succession without allowing the opponent to recover is considered a combo, and in “Devil May Cry,” players can chain together various attacks to build up a combo score.

Combo Break

A combo break refers to an action or move that interrupts an opponent’s combo, preventing them from continuing their sequence of attacks. This mechanic is commonly found in fighting games, where players can use specific moves or techniques to break free from an opponent’s continuous assault.

Example: In “Killer Instinct,” players can perform a combo breaker by inputting the correct command during an opponent’s combo, stopping their attack and creating an opportunity to counter.

Console

A console, or gaming console, is a dedicated device designed primarily for playing video games. Consoles are typically connected to a television or monitor and use proprietary hardware and software. They often feature exclusive games and are designed for ease of use and accessibility.

Example: Popular consoles include the PlayStation series, Xbox series, and Nintendo Switch, each offering a variety of exclusive and multi-platform games.

Console Generation

A console generation refers to a specific era in the history of video game consoles, characterized by the release of new hardware that introduces significant technological advancements and features. Each generation typically lasts around 5–7 years and sees the introduction of new consoles from major manufacturers.

Example: The eighth console generation includes consoles like the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, which brought advancements in graphics, processing power, and online connectivity compared to their predecessors.

Continue

A continue is a feature in video games that allows players to resume play from a specific point after losing all their lives or failing a level. Continues often come with a limited number or require in-game currency or points to use. This feature helps players make progress without having to start the game over from the beginning.

Example: In classic arcade games like “Pac-Man” and “Street Fighter II,” players can insert additional coins to continue playing from where they left off after losing all their lives.

Controller

A controller, or gamepad, is an input device used to interact with and control video games. Controllers typically feature buttons, analog sticks, triggers, and directional pads (D-pads) that allow players to navigate menus, move characters, and perform various actions within a game. Controllers can be wired or wireless and are designed for specific consoles or computers.

Example: The DualShock controller for PlayStation and the Xbox Wireless Controller are popular examples of game controllers, each offering unique layouts and features tailored to their respective consoles.

Controls

Controls refer to the layout and configuration of the buttons, sticks, and other inputs on a gaming device, as well as the way these inputs are mapped to actions within a game. Good control schemes are intuitive and responsive, allowing players to interact seamlessly with the game environment.

Example: In “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” the controls allow players to move Link with the left analog stick, aim weapons with the right stick, and perform various actions using the face buttons and triggers on the Nintendo Switch controller.

Cooldown

A cooldown is a period of time that must pass before a player can use a specific ability, skill, or item again after it has been used. Cooldowns prevent players from repeatedly using powerful abilities and encourage strategic planning and timing in gameplay.

Example: In “Overwatch,” characters like Tracer have abilities with cooldowns, such as her Blink ability, which can be used to quickly dash forward but then requires a short cooldown period before it can be used again.

Co-op

Co-op, short for cooperative gameplay, refers to a game mode where multiple players work together to achieve common objectives, often sharing the same game environment and assisting each other in completing levels, defeating enemies, or solving puzzles.

Example: “Portal 2” features a co-op mode where two players must work together to solve complex puzzles using their respective portal guns.

Couch Co-op

Couch co-op refers to cooperative gameplay where multiple players share the same physical space, typically using the same console and television. Players work together on the same game, often sharing the screen or playing in split-screen mode.

Example: “Overcooked!” is a popular couch co-op game where players work together in the same room to prepare and serve food under time constraints, fostering communication and teamwork.

Coyote Time

Coyote time is a game design term referring to a small grace period during which a player can still perform an action, such as jumping, after they have technically left a platform. This mechanic makes platforming games feel more forgiving and responsive.

Example: In “Celeste,” coyote time allows players to jump even a fraction of a second after stepping off a ledge, making the platforming controls feel more precise and player-friendly.

Critical Hit

A critical hit is a gameplay mechanic where an attack deals significantly more damage than a normal hit, often based on chance or specific conditions. Critical hits add an element of unpredictability and excitement to combat, rewarding players with higher damage output.

Example: In “Pokémon,” certain moves and conditions can increase the likelihood of landing a critical hit, which deals 1.5 times the normal damage, potentially turning the tide of battle.

Cutscene

A cutscene is a non-interactive sequence in a video game that advances the story, provides exposition, or showcases dramatic moments. Cutscenes are often rendered using the game’s graphics engine or as pre-rendered video and serve to immerse players in the narrative.

Example: The cutscenes in “Final Fantasy VII” provide key story developments and emotional moments, enhancing the overall narrative experience for players.

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Damage Sponge

A damage sponge, or bullet sponge, is a term used to describe enemies in video games that require a large amount of damage to defeat. These enemies often have high health points, making them time-consuming and resource-intensive to kill, sometimes to the point of being frustrating for players.

Example: In “The Division,” some enemies are criticized as bullet sponges because they can absorb an excessive amount of gunfire before being defeated, detracting from the game’s realism and pacing.

Demo

A demo is a trial version of a video game that allows players to experience a portion of the game before deciding whether to purchase the full version. Demos can include a limited number of levels, characters, or features and are often used to showcase the game’s mechanics, graphics, and overall appeal.

Example: Many games, like “Final Fantasy XV,” released a demo version to give players a taste of the gameplay and story, helping to generate interest and pre-orders for the full game.

Demo Disc

A demo disc is a physical disc that contains demo versions of multiple video games. These discs were often included with gaming magazines, console bundles, or promotional packages, allowing players to sample a variety of games without purchasing the full versions.

Example: PlayStation demo discs were popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, often bundled with issues of “PlayStation Official Magazine” and featuring demos of upcoming titles like “Crash Bandicoot” and “Metal Gear Solid.”

Draw Distance

Draw distance refers to the maximum distance at which objects, textures, or details in a video game are rendered and visible to the player. Higher draw distances allow for more detailed and expansive environments, while lower draw distances can result in objects or terrain “popping” into view as the player moves closer.

Example: In open-world games like “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” a high draw distance allows players to see distant mountains, buildings, and landscapes clearly, enhancing the sense of immersion and scale.

Double Jump

A double jump is a gameplay mechanic that allows a character to perform a second jump while in mid-air. This ability is often used to reach higher platforms, avoid obstacles, and add depth to platforming gameplay.

Example: In “Hollow Knight,” the player can unlock the Mothwing Cloak ability, which grants the ability to perform a double jump, allowing access to previously unreachable areas.

Downloadable Content (DLC)

Downloadable content (DLC) is additional content for a video game that can be downloaded and installed separately from the main game. DLC can include new levels, characters, storylines, weapons, skins, and other enhancements. It allows developers to extend the life of a game and provide new experiences for players after the initial release.

Example: “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” has several DLC packs, such as “Hearts of Stone” and “Blood and Wine,” which add new quests, characters, and areas to explore, enriching the game’s world and story.

D-pad (Directional Pad)

A D-pad, or directional pad, is a flat, typically cross-shaped control found on game controllers, used for navigating menus and controlling character movement in games. The D-pad allows for precise directional input, making it a staple in many console controllers.

Example: The D-pad on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) controller was one of the first widely recognized uses of this input method, setting a standard for future game controllers, including those of the PlayStation and Xbox series.

Dynamic Difficulty

Dynamic difficulty, or adaptive difficulty, is a game design feature where the game’s challenge level adjusts dynamically based on the player’s performance. This system aims to maintain an optimal balance of challenge and engagement, making the game accessible to a wider range of players.

Example: In “Resident Evil 4,” the game’s difficulty adapts in real-time, lowering enemy aggression and health if the player struggles, or increasing it if the player performs exceptionally well.

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Easter Egg

An Easter egg is a hidden feature, message, or inside joke intentionally placed within a video game by its developers. Easter eggs can take the form of secret levels, humorous references, or hidden messages and are often included as a treat for dedicated players who explore thoroughly or follow specific steps to uncover them.

Example: In “Grand Theft Auto V,” players can find an Easter egg referencing the game “Red Dead Redemption” by visiting a specific location and discovering a nod to the latter’s main character, John Marston.

Emergent Gameplay

Emergent gameplay occurs when complex situations and interactions arise from simple game mechanics and rules. These unplanned and often surprising events are the result of players experimenting with the game’s systems in creative ways.

Example: In “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” players can create emergent gameplay by using the game’s physics and chemistry systems to solve puzzles and defeat enemies in unexpected ways.

Emulation

Emulation is the process of using software to mimic the hardware and software environment of another platform. This allows games designed for older or different systems to be played on modern hardware, such as running classic console games on a PC. Emulators recreate the original system’s behavior, making it possible to experience retro games without the original hardware.

Example: Emulators like PCSX2 for PlayStation 2 and Dolphin for GameCube and Wii allow players to run games from those consoles on their computers, often with enhanced graphics and performance options.

Esports

Esports refers to competitive video gaming at a professional level. Players and teams compete in various games, often in tournaments and leagues, for significant prizes and prestige. Esports has grown into a global phenomenon with dedicated fanbases, sponsorships, and media coverage.

Example: “League of Legends” is one of the most popular esports titles, with annual world championships that attract millions of viewers and offer substantial prize pools.

Expansion Pack

An expansion pack is an add-on for a video game that extends its content by adding new levels, characters, storylines, gameplay mechanics, or other features. Expansion packs require the original game to play and are designed to enhance and prolong the gaming experience by providing additional content beyond the base game.

Example: “World of Warcraft” has numerous expansion packs, such as “The Burning Crusade” and “Shadowlands,” each introducing new regions, quests, and gameplay mechanics that expand the game’s universe and player experience.

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Fake Difficulty

Fake difficulty refers to game design elements that artificially increase the challenge of a game in a way that feels unfair or frustrating, rather than through genuinely challenging gameplay mechanics. This can include poor controls, bad camera angles, or arbitrary obstacles.

Example: In “Battletoads,” some players consider certain levels to have fake difficulty due to their unfair design and reliance on memorization rather than skill.

Fall Damage

Fall damage refers to the harm a player character receives upon falling from a significant height in a video game. The amount of damage often scales with the distance fallen and can lead to partial health loss or even character death, depending on the game’s mechanics.

Example: In “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” Link takes fall damage if he drops from a high cliff, with the damage increasing based on the height of the fall.

Fantasy Console

A fantasy console is a software-based environment that simulates the experience of developing and playing games on a fictional, retro-inspired game console. These platforms often include built-in tools for creating graphics, sound, and game logic, allowing users to develop and share simple games within the constraints of the fantasy console’s specifications.

Example: “PICO-8” is a popular fantasy console that emulates the look and feel of 8-bit consoles, providing developers with a unique platform to create and share retro-style games.

Feelies

Feelies are physical objects included with the packaging of some video games, particularly adventure games, that enhance the gaming experience by providing additional context, clues, or immersion. These items can range from maps and letters to trinkets and artifacts related to the game’s story or setting.

Example: The classic game “Zork” included feelies such as maps and various documents that provided hints and enriched the narrative, making the game more engaging and immersive.

Field of View (FOV)

Field of view (FOV) refers to the extent of the observable game world that is visible on the screen at any given moment. A wider FOV allows players to see more of their surroundings, which can enhance situational awareness, while a narrower FOV can create a more focused, tunnel-vision effect.

Example: In first-person shooters like “Overwatch,” players can often adjust the FOV to suit their preferences, with a higher FOV providing a broader view of the battlefield.

Final Boss

The final boss is the ultimate and usually most challenging enemy or opponent in a video game, typically encountered at the end of the game’s main storyline. Defeating the final boss often requires players to use all the skills, strategies, and abilities they have acquired throughout the game.

Example: In “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,” Ganon is the final boss that players must defeat to complete the game and save the kingdom of Hyrule.

Flash Cart

A flash cart is a cartridge used for playing multiple games on a console, often allowing users to load games from an SD card or other storage device. These carts are popular in the homebrew and retro gaming communities for playing backups, homebrew games, or ROM hacks.

Example: The EverDrive series of flash carts enables players to load and play a variety of games on original hardware, such as the Super Nintendo or Sega Genesis, using an SD card.

Flow State

Flow state, in the context of gaming, refers to a mental state where a player is fully immersed, focused, and engaged in the game, often losing track of time. This state is characterized by a balance between challenge and skill, where the game provides just the right amount of difficulty to keep the player motivated and engrossed. E

Example: Players often experience flow state in rhythm games like “Dance Dance Revolution” or in challenging platformers like “Celeste,” where precise timing and concentration are required.

Fog of War

Fog of war is a game mechanic used in strategy and simulation games to represent the unknown areas of the game map. It obscures portions of the map that are not within the line of sight of the player’s units or structures, adding an element of uncertainty and requiring players to explore and gather intelligence.

Example: In “StarCraft,” fog of war covers the map areas that are not scouted by the player’s units, making it crucial to send out scouts to gather information about the enemy’s movements and base locations.

Frame Rate

Frame rate, measured in frames per second (FPS), refers to the frequency at which consecutive images (frames) are displayed on the screen. Higher frame rates result in smoother and more responsive gameplay, while lower frame rates can make the game appear choppy or laggy.

Example: In fast-paced games like “Call of Duty,” maintaining a high frame rate (such as 60 FPS or higher) is important for providing a smooth and competitive gaming experience.

Full-Motion Video (FMV)

Full-motion video (FMV) is a technique used in video games where pre-recorded video sequences featuring live actors or animated scenes are used to present story elements, cutscenes, or interactive gameplay segments. FMV games often blend these videos with interactive elements, allowing players to influence the outcome of the narrative.

Example: “Night Trap” and “Her Story” are examples of FMV games that use live-action footage to drive the story and gameplay, creating a unique blend of cinema and interactivity.

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Game Addiction

Game addiction, also known as gaming disorder, refers to the excessive or compulsive use of video games that interferes with an individual’s daily life, responsibilities, and health. Symptoms may include a preoccupation with gaming, withdrawal symptoms when not playing, and the inability to reduce gaming time despite negative consequences.

Example: The World Health Organization has recognized gaming disorder as a mental health condition, highlighting the importance of balance and moderation in gaming habits.

Game Design

Game design is the process of creating the content and rules of a video game. It involves defining the game’s mechanics, story, characters, levels, and overall experience. Game designers work to ensure that the game is engaging, balanced, and enjoyable for players.

Example: The game design of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” includes open-world exploration, complex puzzles, and a variety of gameplay mechanics that create a rich and immersive experience for players.

Game Jam

A game jam is an event where game developers come together to create games within a limited time frame, usually ranging from 24 hours to a few days. Participants are often given a theme or specific constraints to inspire creativity and innovation. Game jams encourage rapid prototyping and collaboration among developers.

Example: The annual Global Game Jam is one of the largest game jams in the world, where thousands of developers participate to create unique games based on a common theme within 48 hours.

Game Engine

A game engine is a software framework used by developers to create video games. It provides essential tools and features, such as graphics rendering, physics simulation, sound, scripting, and input handling, allowing developers to build games more efficiently. Example: The Unreal Engine, developed by Epic Games, is a widely used game engine known for its powerful capabilities and flexibility, used in games like “Fortnite” and “Gears of War.”

Gamefeel

Gamefeel refers to the tactile and emotional experience of interacting with a game, encompassing the responsiveness, feedback, and immersion provided by the game’s mechanics, controls, and audiovisual elements. Good gamefeel makes a game enjoyable and satisfying to play, often resulting in a more engaging and memorable experience.

Example: “Celeste” is praised for its excellent gamefeel, with responsive controls, fluid character movements, and precise platforming mechanics that create a satisfying and immersive player experience.

Game Over

Game over is a message or screen presented when a player fails to meet the objectives or conditions of a game, resulting in the end of the current play session. It often signifies the player’s defeat, requiring them to restart from a checkpoint, level, or the beginning of the game.

Example: In classic arcade games like “Pac-Man” or “Donkey Kong,” players see a “game over” screen when they lose all their lives, signaling the end of their attempt and inviting them to try again.

Gameplay Loop

A gameplay loop refers to the core sequence of actions that players repeatedly perform during a game. This loop includes the primary activities, challenges, and rewards that define the player’s experience and drive engagement. A well-designed gameplay loop balances repetition with variety, progression, and a sense of accomplishment.

Example: In “Minecraft,” the gameplay loop involves gathering resources, crafting tools, building structures, and exploring the world. This loop keeps players engaged by constantly providing new goals and rewards.

Gamer

A gamer is a person who plays video games. Gamers can range from casual players who enjoy gaming as a hobby to hardcore enthusiasts who invest significant time and effort into mastering games. The term encompasses players of all types of games, from mobile and console games to PC and virtual reality experiences.

Gamer Culture

Gamer culture refers to the community, practices, values, and traditions that have developed around video gaming. This includes shared language, in-jokes, events like esports tournaments and game conventions, as well as the creation and sharing of fan art, cosplay, and streaming content. Gamer culture encompasses a wide range of subcultures, from casual mobile gamers to dedicated fans of specific genres or franchises.

Example: Events like E3 and PAX are significant in gamer culture, bringing together developers, players, and industry professionals to celebrate and explore the latest in gaming.

Ghosting

Ghosting refers to the phenomenon where previous frames of movement are still visible on the screen, creating a blurry or trailing effect. This is often due to slow response times in display technology or the visual representation of player movement in certain game modes.

Glass Cannon

A glass cannon is a character or build in a video game that deals high amounts of damage but has very low defenses or health. This term describes a high-risk, high-reward playstyle where the character can quickly eliminate enemies but is also very vulnerable to attacks.

Example: In “Diablo III,” a Wizard character built for maximum damage output but with minimal health and armor would be considered a glass cannon.

Goat Puzzle

A goat puzzle is a type of video game puzzle known for being particularly obscure or difficult to solve, often due to its unconventional logic, misleading elements, or incorporating mechanics not found elsewhere in the game. The term originates from an infamous puzzle in the game “Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars.”

Example: The goat puzzle in “Broken Sword” required players to solve a series of steps involving a goat and a piece of machinery, which many players found illogical and frustrating. Unlike other puzzles in the game, solving the goat puzzle required precise timing to interrupt the goat mid-animation.

God Mode

God mode is a cheat or game mode that makes the player’s character invincible, often granting unlimited health, ammo, or other resources, effectively making the player unstoppable.

Example: In “DOOM,” activating god mode through a cheat code allows players to survive any attack and continue fighting without concern for damage.

Golden Path

Golden path refers to the main storyline or critical path that players are intended to follow to complete a game. It includes the essential missions or quests that drive the primary narrative forward. Good level design in open world games often uses landmarks and obstacles to steer the player toward the golden path without explicitly forcing them to take it.

Example: In “The Witcher 3,” the golden path involves the main quests related to finding Ciri and dealing with the Wild Hunt, which are necessary to complete the game.

Griefing

Griefing is the act of deliberately disrupting or harassing other players within a multiplayer game, often by exploiting game mechanics or engaging in behaviors that negatively impact the experience for others.

Example: In “Minecraft,” griefing can involve destroying other players’ creations, stealing resources, or otherwise causing havoc in their game world.

Grinding

Grinding is the repetitive activity of performing the same task or action, such as defeating enemies or gathering resources, to gain experience points, in-game currency, or specific items needed for progression.

Example: In “Final Fantasy,” players often grind by repeatedly fighting random encounters to level up their characters before facing tougher enemies.

Gyroscopic Controls

Gyroscopic controls utilize a device’s gyroscope to detect motion and orientation, allowing players to control in-game actions by tilting, rotating, or moving the device.

Example: In “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” players can use gyroscopic controls to aim their bow or solve motion-based puzzles by moving the Nintendo Switch or Wii U GamePad.

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Hardcore Gamer

A hardcore gamer is someone who dedicates a significant amount of time and effort to gaming, often seeking out challenging games and striving for high levels of skill, achievement, and competition. Hardcore gamers typically have a deep knowledge of gaming culture and trends.

Example: Hardcore gamers might spend hours perfecting their strategies in competitive games like “Dota 2” or “League of Legends,” participating in tournaments and staying updated with game patches and meta changes.

Handheld Console

A handheld console is a portable gaming device with built-in controls and a screen, designed for gaming on the go. These consoles allow players to enjoy video games without needing a television or stationary setup.

Example: The Nintendo Switch can be used as both a home console and a handheld console, allowing players to take their games anywhere and switch seamlessly between modes.

Headshot

A headshot is a precise shot in a shooter game that hits an enemy in the head, usually resulting in higher damage or an instant kill. Headshots require accuracy and skill, often rewarding players with critical hits or bonus points.

Example: In “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive,” players often aim for headshots to quickly eliminate opponents, as headshots deal significantly more damage than body shots.

Heads-up Display (HUD)

The heads-up display (HUD) is the on-screen interface in a video game that provides players with important information such as health, ammo, map, objectives, and other status indicators. The HUD helps players stay informed about their character’s condition and game progress without pausing the action.

Example: In “Halo,” the HUD shows the player’s shield level, ammunition, radar, and other crucial data, allowing them to make quick decisions during combat.

Hitbox

A hitbox is an invisible shape or area in a video game that detects collisions, such as when an attack or projectile hits a character or object. Hitboxes are crucial for determining whether attacks land and how damage is calculated.

Example: In fighting games like “Street Fighter,” each character has hitboxes for their various attacks, determining whether a punch or kick connects with an opponent.

Hitpoints (HP)

Hitpoints (HP) represent a character’s health or life in a video game. When a character takes damage, their HP decreases, and when it reaches zero, the character is usually defeated or killed.

Example: In “Final Fantasy,” each character has a certain amount of HP that decreases when they are attacked by enemies. Players can use healing items or spells to restore HP.

Hitscan

Hitscan is a technique used in video games where a shot or projectile is calculated to hit its target instantly without any travel time. This method is often used for weapons like guns, where bullets reach their target immediately upon firing.

Example: In “Overwatch,” characters like Widowmaker use hitscan weapons, meaning that when she fires her sniper rifle, the shot instantly hits whatever is in her crosshair.

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Infinite

An infinite refers to a combo or sequence in fighting games that can be repeated indefinitely without giving the opponent a chance to escape. Infinites are often considered game-breaking and are usually addressed by developers through patches or updates to maintain fair play.

Example: In “Marvel vs. Capcom 2,” certain characters had infinites that could dominate matches, prompting the community to develop house rules or ban their use in competitive play.

Immersion

Immersion refers to the player’s sense of being deeply engaged and absorbed in a game. High levels of immersion make players feel as if they are truly part of the game world, often achieved through realistic graphics, compelling storylines, and interactive gameplay mechanics.

Example: “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” is praised for its immersion, with a vast open world, dynamic environments, and detailed lore that draw players into its fantasy universe.

In-Game Currency

In-game currency is a virtual currency used within a game to purchase items, upgrades, or other enhancements. This currency can be earned through gameplay or bought with real money in many games, particularly those with microtransactions.

Example: In “Fortnite,” V-Bucks are the in-game currency that players can use to buy skins, emotes, and other cosmetic items.

Input Lag

Input lag is the delay between a player’s input (such as pressing a button or moving a joystick) and the corresponding action occurring on-screen. High input lag can negatively affect gameplay, making controls feel unresponsive.

Example: Competitive fighting games like “Street Fighter” aim to minimize input lag to ensure that players’ actions are reflected instantly on the screen, providing precise control and a fair playing field.

Instancing

Instancing is a technique used in online multiplayer games where separate copies of the same game environment are created for different groups of players. This allows multiple groups to experience the same content simultaneously without interference from others.

Example: In “World of Warcraft,” dungeons are instanced, meaning each group of players enters their own private version of the dungeon, preventing other players from entering and affecting their experience.

Inventory

Inventory refers to the system within a game that allows players to manage and store items, equipment, and resources. Players can access their inventory to equip gear, use consumables, or organize their possessions.

Example: In “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” players use an inventory system to manage weapons, shields, food, and other items they collect throughout their adventure.

Invincibility Frames (I-Frames)

Invincibility frames, or i-frames, are brief periods during which a player’s character is invulnerable to damage, typically occurring after taking a hit or performing specific actions like dodging. These frames provide a momentary reprieve from harm and are crucial for timing in many action games.

Example: In “Dark Souls,” rolling to dodge an attack grants i-frames, allowing players to avoid damage if timed correctly, adding a layer of strategy to combat.

Invisible Wall

An invisible wall is a game design element where an unseen barrier prevents players from moving beyond certain areas of the game world. These walls are used to confine players to specific regions and guide their progression.

Example: In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” players may encounter invisible walls at the edges of the map that prevent them from traveling beyond the game’s intended boundaries.

ISO File

An ISO file is a digital copy of an optical disc, such as a CD or DVD, containing all the data in a single file. In gaming, ISO files are often used for distributing and archiving game software, especially for older consoles.

Example: Players might use ISO files to emulate classic PlayStation games on their computers using software like PCSX2.

Isometric Graphics

Isometric graphics are a method of visually representing three-dimensional objects in two dimensions, where the viewpoint is angled to show multiple sides simultaneously. This style is often used in strategy and role-playing games for a clear and detailed view of the game world.

Example: “Diablo II” uses isometric graphics to give players a comprehensive view of the environment and characters, enhancing gameplay and navigation.

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Jank

Jank refers to rough, unpolished, or awkward aspects of a game’s design or mechanics, often resulting in bugs, glitches, or unintuitive controls. Despite these issues, jank can sometimes add charm or unintended humor to a game.

Example: “Deadly Premonition” is known for its jank, with clunky controls and strange design choices that have garnered both criticism and a cult following.

Jitter

Jitter is the irregular or inconsistent movement or latency in a game’s graphics or network performance. It can cause characters or objects to appear to jump or stutter, negatively impacting gameplay smoothness.

Example: Online multiplayer games like “Fortnite” can experience jitter when there are network issues, leading to players teleporting or skipping across the screen.

Joystick

A joystick is an input device used to control video games, featuring a stick that pivots on a base and is manipulated by the player to move characters or navigate menus. Joysticks are commonly used in arcade games and flight simulators.

Example: The classic arcade game “Pac-Man” is controlled using a joystick to navigate the maze and avoid ghosts.

Juggling

Juggling in fighting games refers to the technique of keeping an opponent airborne by hitting them with successive attacks before they can land and recover. Effective juggling can lead to extended combos and significant damage, making it a critical skill in many fighting games.

Example: In “Tekken,” players can juggle opponents with a series of well-timed strikes and kicks, chaining together combos to maximize damage.

Justin Bailey Code

The Justin Bailey code is a well-known cheat code for the original “Metroid” game on the NES. Entering this code on the password screen allows players to play as Samus Aran without her Power Suit and with near-endgame equipment.

Debate has circulated for years as to whether the code was intentional or just a coincidence. Many speculated incorrectly that Justin Bailey was a developer on the game. It is now believed that the code likely originated with a fan named Justin Bailey entering in his own name into the game password system. The code circulated because it was useful and easy to remember.

Juke

To juke in gaming means to deceive or outmaneuver an opponent, often by performing unexpected movements or actions to avoid being hit or caught. It is commonly used in competitive games to gain an advantage over other players.

Example: In “League of Legends,” players might juke by quickly changing direction or using abilities to dodge enemy attacks and escape dangerous situations.

Jump Pad

A jump pad is a game element that propels players into the air when stepped on, allowing them to reach higher platforms or cross large gaps. Jump pads are often used in platformers and shooters to facilitate fast-paced movement and vertical gameplay.

Example: In “Apex Legends,” the character Octane can deploy a jump pad that launches players into the air, providing quick escapes or access to elevated positions.

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Keybinding

Keybinding refers to the customization of controls in a video game, allowing players to assign specific actions to different keys or buttons according to their preferences. This customization can enhance comfort and efficiency, particularly in complex games.

Example: In “World of Warcraft,” players often set keybindings for their most frequently used abilities to optimize their gameplay and response times.

Killscreen

A killscreen is a level in a video game where the game becomes unplayable due to a programming error or intentional design, often occurring in classic arcade games after a certain point. This results in the game’s effective end, as the player can no longer progress.

Example: The infamous level 256 in the original “Pac-Man” is a killscreen, where half of the screen becomes garbled, making it impossible to continue playing.

Killstreak

A killstreak refers to the consecutive number of kills a player achieves without dying in a game, often triggering rewards or special abilities. Killstreaks are commonly used in first-person shooters to incentivize skilled play and reward players for their performance.

Example: In “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare,” achieving a killstreak of 5 kills without dying can grant players a UAV, revealing enemy locations on the map.

Kiting

Kiting is a strategy where a player character repeatedly attacks an enemy while maintaining a safe distance to avoid taking damage. This technique is often used in role-playing and action games to deal with tougher enemies or manage multiple foes.

Example: In “World of Warcraft,” hunters often kite enemies by slowing them with traps and attacking from a distance, avoiding close combat.

Knockback

Knockback is a game mechanic where characters or objects are pushed back upon taking damage or being hit by certain attacks. This can add a strategic element to combat, affecting positioning and movement.

Example: In “Super Smash Bros.,” characters experience knockback when hit by powerful attacks, potentially sending them off the stage and resulting in a KO.

Konami Code

The Konami code, also known as the Contra code, is a famous cheat code that originated in Konami games, granting players special benefits such as extra lives or power-ups. The code sequence is: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, and Start.

Example: In “Contra,” entering the Konami Code at the title screen gives players 30 extra lives, significantly increasing their chances of completing the game.

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LAN Party

A LAN party is a gathering of gamers who connect their computers or gaming consoles via a local area network (LAN) to play multiplayer games together in the same physical location. This setup allows for low-latency gaming and a social, communal experience.

Example: A group of friends might organize a LAN party to play “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” together, setting up their computers in the same room and enjoying the competitive matches face-to-face.

Leap of Faith

A leap of faith in gaming refers to a situation where the player must jump into an area without being able to see where they will land, relying on faith that there is a safe platform or landing spot. This often adds an element of risk and excitement.

Example: In “Assassin’s Creed,” characters perform a literal leap of faith by jumping from tall buildings into haystacks below, demonstrating their trust in their agility and the game’s mechanics.

Leet Speak

Leet speak (or “1337 speak”) is an alternative alphabet used primarily on the internet, where letters are replaced with numbers or special characters that resemble them. Originally used by hackers and gamers, it became a part of online culture.

Example: In leet speak, “elite” becomes “1337,” and “hacker” might be written as “h4x0r.”

Letsplay

A letsplay is a video or series of videos where a gamer records themselves playing a game, often providing commentary, reactions, and insights. Letsplays are popular on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, allowing viewers to experience the game vicariously.

Example: A popular letsplay series might feature a YouTuber playing through “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” sharing tips, tricks, and personal experiences with their audience.

Level

A level in a video game refers to a distinct segment or stage of the game, often with its own unique challenges, environments, and objectives. Levels are typically designed to increase in difficulty as players progress.

Example: In “Super Mario Bros.,” each world is divided into several levels, such as World 1–1, World 1–2, etc., each presenting different obstacles and enemies.

Life

In gaming, a life represents the number of attempts a player has before receiving a game over. Losing all lives typically forces the player to restart the game or level from the beginning.

Example: In “Pac-Man,” players start with a certain number of lives, losing one each time they are caught by a ghost. Additional lives can be earned by reaching certain scores.

Ludonarrative Dissonance

Ludonarrative dissonance occurs when there is a conflict between a video game’s narrative and its gameplay mechanics. This can create a sense of inconsistency or contradiction, potentially disrupting player immersion and the overall storytelling experience.

Example: In “BioShock,” the narrative encourages players to consider the moral implications of their actions, yet the gameplay rewards violent behavior, creating a dissonance between story and play.

Ludonarrativity

Ludonarrativity is the concept of storytelling through gameplay mechanics. It focuses on how game design and player interactions convey the narrative, integrating the story and gameplay into a cohesive experience.

Example: “The Stanley Parable” uses ludonarrativity by having the player’s choices directly impact the narrative, with the game responding to their actions in various ways to tell a meta-story about choice and control.

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Magic Points (MP)

Magic points (MP), also known as mana points, are a resource in many role-playing games (RPGs) used to cast spells and perform special abilities. MP is usually consumed when a character uses magical or special abilities, and can be replenished through items, resting, or specific skills.

Example: In “Final Fantasy VII,” characters use MP to cast spells like Fire or Cure, with each spell having a specific MP cost.

Map

A map in video games is a graphical representation of the game world or a specific area within the game. Maps help players navigate and find objectives, showing locations, points of interest, and sometimes enemy positions.

Example: The map in “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” displays the vast open world, including shrines, villages, and other landmarks that players can explore.

Mechanics

Mechanics are the rules and systems that govern how a game operates, defining the player’s interactions, objectives, and the overall gameplay experience. Mechanics include elements such as movement, combat, resource management, and puzzle-solving.

Example: The stealth mechanics in “Metal Gear Solid” involve sneaking past guards, using cover, and employing various gadgets to avoid detection and complete missions.

Memory Card

A memory card is a storage device used in gaming consoles to save game progress, settings, and other data. Before the advent of built-in hard drives and cloud storage, memory cards were essential for preserving player progress across sessions.

Example: The PlayStation 2 uses memory cards to save game data, allowing players to resume their games from where they left off.

Meta-game

Meta-game refers to the strategies, tactics, and decisions that go beyond the basic rules and mechanics of a game, often influenced by player behavior, community trends, or external factors. It encompasses the broader context in which a game is played, including discussions, theorycrafting, and the evolving state of the game.

Example: In “Overwatch,” the meta-game might involve players selecting certain heroes because they are currently considered the most effective in the competitive scene, influenced by recent updates and professional playstyles.

Microtransaction

Microtransactions are small, in-game purchases that players can make using real money to acquire virtual goods or services, such as cosmetic items, in-game currency, or convenience features. They are common in free-to-play games as a primary revenue model.

Example: In “Fortnite,” players can purchase V-Bucks (in-game currency) through microtransactions to buy skins, emotes, and other cosmetic items.

Mini-boss

A mini-boss is a less powerful boss encountered within a level or area of a game, serving as a challenging enemy that tests the player’s skills before they face the main boss of that section. Mini-bosses often have unique abilities and require specific strategies to defeat.

Example: In “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,” players encounter mini-bosses like Dark Link, who serves as a challenging foe in the Water Temple before the final boss of the dungeon.

Mini Console

A mini console is a smaller, often modernized version of a classic gaming console, pre-loaded with a selection of games from the original system. These devices are designed to offer nostalgic gaming experiences and are usually plug-and-play.

Example: The NES Classic Edition is a mini console that replicates the original Nintendo Entertainment System, featuring a selection of 30 classic NES games.

Minimap

A minimap is a small, often semi-transparent map displayed on the screen during gameplay, showing the player’s current location, nearby points of interest, objectives, and sometimes enemy positions. It helps players navigate the game world more easily.

Example: In “Grand Theft Auto V,” the minimap in the corner of the screen shows the player’s position in the city, as well as mission markers and notable locations.

Mod

A mod (short for modification) is a user-created add-on or alteration to a video game, changing or enhancing the game’s content, mechanics, or visuals. Mods can range from simple cosmetic changes to entirely new game modes or levels.

Example: The “Skyrim” modding community has created countless mods, from graphical enhancements to new quests and gameplay mechanics, greatly expanding the game’s content.

Mode 7

Mode 7 is a graphics mode used by the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) that allows for the scaling and rotation of background layers, creating a pseudo-3D effect. It was often used for racing games and other titles needing dynamic perspective changes.

Example: “Super Mario Kart” utilizes Mode 7 to create the impression of a three-dimensional racetrack, enhancing the sense of speed and depth.

Mook

A mook is a term used to describe a common, low-level enemy in video games that is relatively easy to defeat. Mooks often appear in large numbers and serve to populate the game world and provide combat practice for the player.

Example: The Goombas in “Super Mario Bros.” are mooks that walk slowly towards the player, easily defeated with a simple jump.

Moon Logic

Moon logic refers to puzzle design in adventure games where the solution is highly obscure, illogical, or nonsensical, requiring leaps of intuition or trial-and-error rather than rational problem-solving. This term often highlights frustrating and opaque puzzle design.

Example: In “Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge,” using a monkey as a makeshift monkey wrench is an example of moon logic, as it relies on a pun that may not be immediately obvious to players.

Motion Capture

Motion capture (often abbreviated as mocap) is a technology used in game development to record the movements of actors or objects and translate them into digital models. This technique captures realistic human motion, which is then used to animate characters in video games.

Example: “The Last of Us” uses motion capture to create realistic and expressive character animations, enhancing the emotional depth and realism of the game’s narrative and gameplay.

Motion Controls

Motion controls are input methods that allow players to interact with a game through physical movements. These controls typically involve sensors that detect motion and translate it into in-game actions, providing an immersive and intuitive gaming experience.

Example: The Nintendo Wii popularized motion controls with games like “Wii Sports,” where players use the Wii Remote to simulate actions like swinging a tennis racket or rolling a bowling ball.

Multicart

A multicart is a game cartridge that contains multiple games, allowing players to switch between different titles on a single cartridge. These are often used for collections or compilations of classic games.

Example: The “Super Mario All-Stars” cartridge for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) includes multiple Mario games, such as “Super Mario Bros.,” “Super Mario Bros. 2,” and “Super Mario Bros. 3.”

Multiplayer

Multiplayer refers to a game mode that allows multiple players to participate in the same game, either cooperatively or competitively. This can be achieved through local play, online connectivity, or both.

Example: “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” features various multiplayer modes where players can compete against each other in team-based matches or free-for-all battles.

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Nerf

Nerf is a term used in gaming to describe the act of reducing the power, effectiveness, or impact of a game element, such as a character, weapon, or ability, through a game update or patch. This is often done for balancing purposes.

Example: In “Overwatch,” the character McCree was nerfed by reducing the damage of his Flashbang ability to balance his overall power in the game.

New Game+

New Game+ (new game plus) is a game mode that becomes available after a player completes a game. It allows players to start a new playthrough while retaining certain elements from their previous game, such as character levels, equipment, and abilities, often with increased difficulty or additional content.

Example: In “Dark Souls,” players can start a New Game+ after completing the game, facing tougher enemies while keeping their character’s stats and gear.

Noclip

Noclip is a cheat or debug mode in which the player character can move through solid objects, walls, and other barriers in the game world, often used for exploration, testing, or bypassing obstacles.

Example: In “Half-Life,” players can enable noclip mode to fly through walls and explore areas that are normally inaccessible.

Noob

Noob (or newbie) is a slang term for a novice or inexperienced player who is new to a game or lacks skill. The term is often used in a derogatory manner but can also be used lightheartedly.

Example: A player who just started playing “Fortnite” and is unfamiliar with the controls and strategies might be called a noob by more experienced players.

Non-Player Character (NPC)

A non-player character (NPC) is any character in a game that is not controlled by the player. NPCs are usually controlled by the game’s artificial intelligence and can serve various roles, such as quest givers, merchants, or enemies.

Example: In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” characters like merchants, quest givers, and townsfolk are NPCs that interact with the player character, Geralt.

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Objective

An objective in a video game is a specific goal or task that a player must complete to progress in the game. Objectives can vary widely, from defeating enemies and solving puzzles to collecting items and reaching certain locations.

Example: In “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” one of the primary objectives is to defeat the Divine Beasts to weaken Ganon’s power and ultimately save Hyrule.

Online Multiplayer

Online multiplayer is a game mode that allows players to connect and play together over the internet. This mode can include cooperative gameplay, competitive matches, and various other interactions between players from different locations.

Example: “Fortnite” features an online multiplayer mode where players compete in a battle royale, aiming to be the last person or team standing.

Out-of-Bounds

Out-of-bounds refers to areas in a game that are outside the intended play area. These regions are usually inaccessible through normal gameplay, but players can sometimes reach them through glitches, cheats, or unintended actions.

Example: In “Super Mario 64,” players can use a glitch to go out-of-bounds and access areas that are normally off-limits, often used in speedrunning strategies.

Overpowered (OP)

Overpowered (OP) is a term used to describe a game element, such as a character, weapon, or ability, that is excessively strong or dominant compared to others. This imbalance can make the game less challenging or unfair.

Example: In “League of Legends,” a champion might be considered overpowered if they consistently outperform others, leading to discussions about needing a nerf.

Overworld

An overworld is a large, overarching map or area in a game that connects various locations, levels, or dungeons. It serves as a hub through which players can travel to different parts of the game world.

Example: In “The Legend of Zelda,” the overworld is the expansive map that links all the dungeons, towns, and key locations that players need to explore throughout their adventure.

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Pacifist Run

A pacifist run is a playthrough of a game where the player aims to complete it without using violence or causing harm to any characters. This approach often requires creative problem-solving and a deep understanding of game mechanics.

Example: In “Undertale,” players can choose a pacifist run by resolving conflicts through dialogue and actions that avoid combat, ultimately leading to a different ending than a more aggressive playthrough.

Parallax Scrolling

Parallax scrolling is a technique used in 2D games where background layers move at different speeds relative to the foreground, creating an illusion of depth and distance. This effect enhances the visual richness and dynamism of the game’s environment.

Example: In “Sonic the Hedgehog,” parallax scrolling is used to give the illusion of depth in the game’s various zones, with background elements moving slower than the foreground as Sonic runs through the level.

Password

A password is a sequence of characters that players can enter to access certain levels, unlock features, or resume progress in a game. This system was commonly used in older games before the advent of save files, allowing players to continue their progress by entering a specific code.

Example: In “Metroid,” players could use the “JUSTIN BAILEY” password to start the game with Samus in a special outfit and with enhanced abilities.

Pay-to-Win

Pay-to-win (P2W) refers to games where players can gain significant advantages or progress faster by spending real money on in-game items or upgrades. This model often leads to a competitive imbalance, favoring those who spend more.

Example: In some mobile games, players can buy powerful weapons or boosts that make it easier to defeat opponents or progress through levels, giving paying players a distinct advantage.

Physics

Physics in video games refers to the simulation of real-world physical laws and behaviors, such as gravity, friction, collision, and momentum. These simulations enhance the realism and interactivity of game environments and mechanics.

Example: “Portal” uses physics-based puzzles where players must manipulate portals and objects to navigate through levels, relying on the principles of momentum and gravity.

Ping

Ping measures the latency, or the time it takes for data to travel from a player’s device to the game server and back. It’s typically measured in milliseconds (ms). Low ping indicates a faster connection, resulting in smoother gameplay, while high ping can cause lag.

Example: In “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive,” a player with a ping of 20ms will experience less delay compared to a player with a ping of 200ms, who may notice lag in their actions.

Point of Interest

A point of interest (POI) is a specific location within a game world that stands out due to its significance, whether it be for narrative, exploration, or gameplay purposes. POIs often include landmarks, hidden treasures, quest locations, or unique features that encourage players to explore and interact with the environment.

Example: In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” points of interest on the map might indicate places where Geralt can find hidden treasures, engage in combat, or discover lore-related content.

Polygon

A polygon is a flat, two-dimensional shape with straight sides that is used as a basic building block in 3D graphics. Polygons are combined to create complex 3D models and environments in video games.

Example: Characters and environments in “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” are made up of many polygons, creating a three-dimensional world for players to explore.

Port

A port is a version of a video game that has been adapted to run on a different platform than the one it was originally designed for. Ports often require changes to controls, graphics, and performance to suit the new hardware.

Example: “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” was originally released for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, but was later ported to the Nintendo Switch, allowing players to enjoy the game on a portable console.

Post-Game

Post-game content refers to additional activities, challenges, and features that become available after a player completes the main story or primary objectives of a game. This content can include extra quests, new areas, and tougher enemies.

Example: In “Pokémon Sword and Shield,” players can access the Battle Tower and compete in challenging battles against high-level opponents after completing the main story.

Power-Up

A power-up is an item or ability that temporarily enhances a player’s character, providing benefits such as increased strength, speed, invincibility, or special abilities. Power-ups often appear in platformers, shooters, and other action games.

Example: In “Super Mario Bros.,” the Super Mushroom is a power-up that makes Mario grow larger and allows him to take an extra hit from enemies.

Play Area

The play area, also known as the game world or map, is the space within a game where the player can move and interact. This area is defined by the game’s boundaries and includes all the locations, objects, and elements that players can interact with.

Example: The play area in “Minecraft” is a vast, procedurally generated world made up of different biomes, structures, and underground caves for players to explore and build in.

Player

The player is the person interacting with the game, controlling characters, making decisions, and engaging with the game’s mechanics and narrative. The player’s actions determine the outcome of the game.

Example: In a multiplayer game like “Fortnite,” each participant is a player competing against others to be the last person standing.

Player Character

The player character is the in-game avatar or character that the player controls. This character acts as the player’s representative within the game world, and their actions are directly influenced by the player’s inputs.

Example: In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” Geralt of Rivia is the player character that players control throughout the game’s story and quests.

Preorder

A preorder is an order placed for a game before it is officially released. Preordering often comes with benefits such as early access, exclusive content, or special edition bonuses.

Example: Preordering “Cyberpunk 2077” granted players access to exclusive digital content and physical collectibles not available after the game’s release.

Pre-rendered Graphics

Pre-rendered graphics are visuals created in advance using powerful computers and then used in the game as static images or video sequences. These graphics often appear in cutscenes or background elements, providing high-quality visuals without taxing the game’s real-time rendering capabilities.

Example: The cutscenes in “Final Fantasy VII” feature pre-rendered graphics that offer high visual fidelity compared to the in-game graphics.

Procedural Generation

Procedural generation is a method of creating game content algorithmically rather than manually. This technique is used to generate vast, varied, and often unique game worlds, levels, or items, providing a different experience in each playthrough.

Example: “No Man’s Sky” uses procedural generation to create its nearly infinite universe, with each planet, ecosystem, and creature being uniquely generated by algorithms.

Pwn

Pwn (pronounced “pone”) is an internet slang term derived from the word “own,” meaning to dominate or defeat an opponent, often in a humiliating manner. It is commonly used in competitive gaming and online communities.

Example: In an online match of “Call of Duty,” a player might say “I pwned that guy” after winning a decisive victory against another player.

~Q~

Quest

A quest is a task or series of tasks that a player undertakes within a game. Quests often involve objectives such as defeating enemies, collecting items, or reaching specific locations and are typically used to advance the game’s story or provide rewards.

Example: In “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” players can embark on quests like “The Golden Claw,” which involves retrieving a stolen artifact and uncovering secrets in a hidden tomb.

Quest Marker

A quest marker is a visual indicator on the game’s map or in the game world that guides players to the location of their current quest objective. It helps players navigate and find important points of interest related to their quests.

Example: In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” quest markers appear on the mini-map and in the game world to direct players to the next step in their current quest.

Quicksave

A quicksave is a feature that allows players to save their game progress instantly with a single button press, creating a save file that can be quickly loaded later. This feature is especially useful in challenging games where players may want to frequently save their progress.

Example: In “Doom (2016),” players can use the quicksave function to save their progress before entering a difficult battle, allowing them to reload and try again if they fail.

Quick Time Event (QTE)

A quick time event (QTE) is a gameplay mechanic where players must press a specific button or sequence of buttons within a short time frame during a cutscene or scripted event. Successful input allows the player to progress, while failure can lead to negative consequences.

Example: In “Resident Evil 4,” quick time events occur during certain cutscenes, requiring players to quickly press the indicated buttons to dodge attacks or perform actions.

~R~

Random Number Generation (RNG)

Random number generation (RNG) refers to algorithms used to produce random or pseudo-random outcomes in games. RNG is often employed to determine item drops, enemy behavior, procedural generation, and other elements that require variability and unpredictability.

Example: In “Diablo III,” the loot drops from defeated enemies are determined by RNG, resulting in different items and gear each time a player plays through the game.

Ray Tracing

Ray tracing is an advanced rendering technique that simulates the way light interacts with objects to create realistic reflections, shadows, and lighting effects. It enhances visual fidelity by accurately modeling how light behaves in a virtual environment.

Example: “Cyberpunk 2077” uses ray tracing to create realistic lighting and reflections, making the game’s world more immersive and visually striking.

Region Locking

Region locking is a form of digital rights management that restricts the use of a game or console to a specific geographic region. This prevents players from using software or hardware purchased in one region on devices from another region.

Example: A game purchased in Japan for the Nintendo 3DS might be region-locked, preventing it from being played on a 3DS console bought in the United States.

Replayability

Replayability, or replay value, refers to the potential of a game to be played multiple times while remaining enjoyable and engaging. Games with high replayability often feature multiple endings, diverse gameplay options, procedural content, or rich multiplayer experiences.

Example: “The Binding of Isaac” has high replayability due to its randomly generated dungeons, varied items, and numerous character unlocks, making each playthrough unique.

Responsive Controls

Responsive controls refer to a game’s input system that reacts quickly and accurately to the player’s actions. Games with responsive controls provide a smooth and intuitive experience, making it easier for players to perform desired actions without delay or lag.

Example: “Super Mario Odyssey” is praised for its highly responsive controls, allowing players to execute precise jumps and maneuvers effortlessly.

Reactivity

Reactivity in video games refers to how the game world responds to the player’s actions. High reactivity means that the game acknowledges and adapts to the player’s choices, providing dynamic and personalized experiences.

Example: In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” the game’s world and story react to the choices players make, leading to different outcomes and interactions based on the player’s decisions.

Rocket Jump

Rocket jumping is a technique used in first-person shooter games where players use the explosion from a rocket launcher to propel themselves to greater heights or distances, often at the cost of some health.

Example: In “Quake,” players can perform rocket jumps to reach high ledges or cross large gaps by firing a rocket at the ground while jumping.

Rom File

A ROM (Read-Only Memory) file is a digital copy of a video game’s data as it exists on its original cartridge or disc. ROM files are often used with emulators to play classic games on modern devices.

Example: A ROM file of “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” allows players to play the game on a computer or smartphone using an emulator.

Rom Hack

A ROM hack is a modified version of a game created by altering the original ROM file. These hacks can include changes to graphics, levels, gameplay mechanics, and even entirely new content, offering a different experience from the original game.

Example: “Pokémon Liquid Crystal” is a ROM hack of “Pokémon FireRed,” featuring new maps, storylines, and gameplay enhancements while retaining the core Pokémon experience.

Rumble

Rumble refers to the vibration feedback feature in game controllers that provides tactile sensations to enhance immersion. This feedback can simulate various in-game events, such as explosions, collisions, and other physical interactions.

Example: In “Forza Horizon 4,” the rumble feature in the controller simulates the feeling of driving over different terrains, adding to the game’s realism.

Rumble Pak

The Rumble Pak is an accessory for the Nintendo 64 controller that adds vibration feedback to games. It was one of the first widely available rumble features for home consoles and significantly enhanced the gaming experience by providing physical feedback. A rumble pak was also released for Nintendo DS. The Game Boy Color game “Pokémon Pinball” had a built in rumble pak.

Example: “Star Fox 64” was one of the first games to utilize the Rumble Pak, allowing players to feel the impact of explosions and collisions during space battles.

~S~

Save

A save is a feature in video games that allows players to record their progress at a certain point, enabling them to return to that point later. This can be done manually by the player or automatically by the game at certain checkpoints.

Example: In “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” players can manually save their game progress at any time, allowing them to return to that point if they need to restart or load a previous state.

Save Point

A save point is a specific location within a game where players can save their progress. These points are often strategically placed throughout the game, allowing players to resume from that exact spot later on.

Example: In “Final Fantasy VII,” save points are scattered throughout the game world, typically appearing before significant events or boss battles, allowing players to save their progress.

Save Scumming

Save scumming is a practice where players repeatedly save and load a game to achieve a desired outcome, often bypassing the intended difficulty or randomness of the game. This technique is frequently used to avoid negative consequences or to exploit favorable results.

Example: In “XCOM: Enemy Unknown,” a player might save scum by reloading a save file just before a crucial attack to ensure their soldiers hit their targets and avoid death.

Save State

A save state is a feature typically found in emulators that allows players to save the exact state of a game at any given moment. This functionality enables players to resume the game from that precise point, regardless of in-game save mechanics.

Example: When playing an old NES game on an emulator, players can use save states to save their progress at any time, making it easier to tackle challenging sections.

Season Pass

A season pass is a type of bundled content offering that provides access to all or most of a game’s downloadable content (DLC) released over a specific period, often at a discounted price compared to purchasing each piece of content individually.

Example: “Fortnite” offers a season pass that grants players access to exclusive skins, challenges, and rewards over the course of a season.

Sequence Breaking

Sequence breaking involves completing a game or parts of a game in a non-standard order, often by exploiting glitches, advanced techniques, or hidden mechanics. This can lead to faster completion times or access to areas and items earlier than intended.

Example: In “Metroid” games, sequence breaking allows players to obtain power-ups like the Morph Ball or Screw Attack earlier than usual, altering the game’s progression.

Shandification

Shandification refers to the design practice of filling a game world with small, intricate details and hidden stories that enhance immersion and encourage exploration. This approach often leads to richer, more engaging environments that reward players for paying attention to the minutiae.

Example: “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” demonstrates shandification with its detailed world filled with lore books, environmental storytelling, and numerous small quests and encounters that enrich the overall experience.

Side Quest

A side quest is an optional task or mission in a game that is separate from the main storyline. Side quests often provide additional rewards, story elements, or character development, enhancing the overall experience without being essential to completing the game.

Example: In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” side quests such as “The Last Wish” offer players deeper insights into characters and the game world while providing valuable rewards.

Single Player

Single player refers to a game mode designed for one person to play through alone, without the involvement of other players. Single player games often focus on narrative-driven experiences or personal challenges.

Example: “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” is a single player game where players embark on a solo adventure to explore a vast open world and complete quests.

Skill Floor and Skill Ceiling

The skill floor is the minimum level of skill required to play a game at a basic level, while the skill ceiling is the maximum potential skill a player can achieve. Games with a low skill floor are easy to pick up and play, whereas games with a high skill ceiling offer deep mechanics and challenges for experienced players.

Example: “Rocket League” has a low skill floor, allowing new players to quickly understand the basics of car soccer, but it also has a high skill ceiling, with advanced techniques and strategies for skilled players to master.

Skill Tree

A skill tree is a visual representation of the progression of abilities and skills that a player can unlock for their character. Players typically earn points or experience to invest in different branches of the tree, customizing their character’s abilities and playstyle.

Example: In “Diablo III,” players use skill trees to unlock and upgrade abilities for their character, choosing different paths that enhance their combat effectiveness and provide new gameplay options.

Skybox

A skybox is a large structure that surrounds the game world and displays the background environment, such as the sky, distant mountains, or outer space. It creates the illusion of a vast, immersive environment beyond the playable area.

Example: In “Minecraft,” the skybox includes the sun, moon, clouds, and stars, giving players a sense of a larger world beyond the immediate surroundings.

Softlock

A softlock is a situation in a game where the player is unable to progress or continue due to unintended circumstances or design flaws, but the game has not completely frozen or crashed. The only solution is often to reload a previous save or restart the game.

Example: In “Metroid,” if a player enters a room without enough missiles to open a necessary door and cannot leave to restock, they might encounter a softlock and be forced to restart from a previous save.

Splash Damage

Splash damage refers to the area-of-effect damage caused by an explosion or attack, affecting not only the primary target but also nearby enemies or objects within a certain radius. This type of damage is common in games with explosive weapons or abilities.

Example: In “Overwatch,” Pharah’s rockets deal splash damage, allowing her to damage multiple enemies clustered together or those hiding behind cover.

Speedrun

A speedrun is a playthrough of a game or a specific section of a game with the goal of completing it as quickly as possible. Speedruns often involve exploiting glitches, optimizing routes, and demonstrating advanced skills to achieve the fastest possible time.

Example: Speedrunners frequently attempt to complete “Super Mario 64” in record time, using precise movement and glitches to bypass large portions of the game.

Sprite

A sprite is a two-dimensional image or animation used to represent characters, objects, and other elements in video games. Sprites are a fundamental component of many 2D games and are often used for both visual and functional purposes.

Example: In “Mega Man,” the character Mega Man is represented by a sprite that changes frames to animate his movements and actions.

Sprite Scaling

Sprite scaling is a technique used to resize sprites dynamically, allowing them to appear larger or smaller on the screen. This technique is often used to create the illusion of depth or to emphasize certain elements within a game.

Example: In “Super Mario Kart,” sprite scaling is used to make items like shells and bananas appear to grow larger as they get closer to the player, enhancing the sense of perspective.

Sprite Tearing

Sprite tearing occurs when a sprite is displayed incorrectly due to graphical glitches, often resulting in parts of the sprite being misaligned or separated. This issue can be caused by hardware limitations, programming errors, or improper handling of sprite animations.

Example: In older games, sprite tearing might occur when too many sprites are on screen simultaneously, causing visual glitches where parts of characters or objects appear fragmented.

Save

A save is a feature in video games that allows players to record their progress at a certain point, enabling them to return to that point later. This can be done manually by the player or automatically by the game at certain checkpoints.

Example: In “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” players can manually save their game progress at any time, allowing them to return to that point if they need to restart or load a previous state.

Stamina

Stamina is a resource in many games that limits the amount of physical activity a player can perform, such as running, jumping, or attacking. Stamina typically regenerates over time, and managing it effectively is crucial for success in games that utilize this mechanic.

Example: In “Dark Souls,” players have a stamina meter that depletes when they attack, dodge, or block. Players must manage their stamina carefully to avoid being left vulnerable during combat.

Strafe

To strafe is to move sideways while facing forward, typically used in first-person shooters and other action games. Strafing allows players to dodge incoming attacks while maintaining their aim on a target.

Example: In “DOOM,” players can strafe left and right to avoid enemy projectiles while continuing to fire at their opponents.

Stun Lock

A stun lock is a situation in games where a character is repeatedly stunned or knocked back by enemy attacks, preventing them from performing any actions. This can result in the player being unable to defend themselves or retaliate.

Example: In “Street Fighter,” certain combos can stun lock an opponent, keeping them in a state of continuous hit stun and preventing them from counterattacking.

Subpixeling

Subpixeling is a pixel art technique used to create the illusion of more detail and smoother motion by adjusting the positions of pixels at a sub-pixel level, similar to antialiasing. This technique enhances the visual quality of animations and images without increasing the actual resolution.

Example: In pixel art animations, subpixeling can make character movements look smoother and more fluid, as seen in games like “Hyper Light Drifter,” where precise pixel adjustments create the illusion of more detailed motion.

Super

A super attack, often referred to simply as “super,” is a powerful, high-damage move in fighting games and other action games that typically requires the player to build up a special meter or gauge before it can be executed. Supers are usually flashy and can significantly turn the tide of a match if used correctly.

Example: In “Street Fighter V,” each character has a “Critical Art,” which is their super attack. Ryu’s Critical Art, “Shinku Hadoken,” unleashes a massive energy blast that deals considerable damage to his opponent.

Support

In multiplayer games, a support is a character or player whose primary function is to assist and enhance the performance of their team rather than deal direct damage. Support characters often provide healing, buffs, crowd control, or other utilities that aid their teammates.

Example: In “Overwatch,” Mercy is a support character who heals and boosts the damage of her allies, playing a crucial role in maintaining team survivability and effectiveness.

~T~

Tank

In gaming, a tank is a character or role whose primary function is to absorb damage and protect teammates by drawing enemy attention. Tanks typically have high health and defensive capabilities, allowing them to withstand significant punishment.

Example: In “World of Warcraft,” the Warrior class can serve as a tank, using abilities to generate threat and keep enemies focused on them while allies deal damage.

Teabagging

Teabagging is a provocative action in multiplayer games where a player rapidly crouches and stands over a defeated opponent’s body, mimicking the action of dipping a tea bag. It’s often used to taunt or insult the defeated player.

Example: In “Halo,” players sometimes teabag their opponents after winning a firefight to mock them, which can provoke strong reactions.

Tetris Effect

The Tetris Effect is a phenomenon where individuals who spend extended periods on repetitive activities, such as playing Tetris, start to see patterns from the game in their thoughts, dreams, and real-world perceptions.

Example: After long sessions of playing “Tetris,” some players might see falling block shapes when they close their eyes or imagine how objects in their environment could fit together like Tetris pieces.

Texture Mapping

Texture mapping is a graphics technique used to apply images (textures) to the surface of 3D models, giving them color, detail, and realism. This technique is crucial in creating lifelike environments and characters in video games.

Example: In “The Witcher 3,” texture mapping is used to apply detailed images to the surfaces of characters, buildings, and landscapes, enhancing the visual fidelity of the game.

Tool-Assisted Speedrun (TAS)

A tool-assisted speedrun (TAS) is a playthrough of a game achieved using software tools to assist in performing actions with superhuman precision and timing. These runs demonstrate optimal or glitch-heavy paths through a game, often impossible for human players to replicate in real-time.

Example: A tool-assisted speedrun of “Super Mario 64” might use frame-by-frame input to execute perfect jumps and glitches, completing the game in a fraction of the time it would take a human player.

Trackball

A trackball is an input device consisting of a ball held by a socket containing sensors to detect rotation. Players use their fingers or palm to roll the ball, providing an alternative method for controlling a game’s cursor or character movement, often found in arcade cabinets.

Example: Classic arcade games like “Centipede” use a trackball for precise control, allowing players to quickly and accurately navigate their character or cursor on the screen.

Turn-Based Combat

Turn-based combat is a system where players and enemies take turns to perform actions such as attacking, defending, or using items. Each participant in the combat has a chance to act during their turn, allowing for strategic planning.

Example: In “Final Fantasy X,” combat is turn-based, with each character and enemy taking turns to perform actions, allowing players to strategically plan their moves.

Tutorial

A tutorial is an introductory segment of a game designed to teach new players the basic mechanics, controls, and rules. Tutorials help players understand how to play the game and prepare them for the challenges ahead.

Example: In “Portal,” the tutorial levels introduce players to the mechanics of the portal gun, teaching them how to use it to solve puzzles before the main challenges begin.

Twitch gameplay

Twitch gameplay (or twitchy gameplay) refers to a style of gaming that requires fast reflexes, quick decision-making, and precise timing. Games that emphasize twitch gameplay often involve high-speed action and a need for players to respond rapidly to changing situations.

Example: “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” features twitch gameplay, where players must react quickly to enemy movements and make split-second decisions to succeed in matches.

~U~

Ultimate

An ultimate, or ultimate ability, is a powerful, often game-changing ability or move available to a player or character, typically after fulfilling certain conditions or building up enough energy or points. Ultimates usually have significant impact and can turn the tide of a game.

Example: In “Overwatch,” each character has an ultimate ability, such as Mercy’s “Valkyrie” which enhances her healing and mobility, often shifting the momentum of the battle.

Underwater Level

An underwater level is a stage or segment of a game set underwater, often featuring unique mechanics such as swimming, different physics, and challenges related to the underwater environment.

Example: In “Super Mario Bros.,” the underwater levels require Mario to swim past obstacles and enemies, adding a different type of challenge compared to land-based levels.

Universal Media Disc (UMD)

The Universal Media Disc (UMD) is a proprietary optical disc format developed by Sony for use with the PlayStation Portable (PSP). UMDs can store games, movies, and other media, serving as the primary physical format for PSP content.

Example: “God of War: Chains of Olympus” for the PSP was distributed on a UMD, allowing players to load the game into their handheld console.

Unlockable

An unlockable is a feature, item, character, or content in a game that becomes available to the player after meeting certain criteria or achieving specific goals. Unlockables provide additional replay value and incentives for completing challenges.

Example: In “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,” players can unlock new characters by winning matches, completing challenges, or progressing through the game’s modes.

Upgrade

An upgrade is an improvement or enhancement to a character, item, ability, or piece of equipment within a game. Upgrades typically make the upgraded entity more powerful, efficient, or effective.

Example: In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” players can upgrade Geralt’s swords and armor, increasing their damage and providing additional bonuses.

User Interface (UI)

The user interface (UI) refers to the graphical and interactive elements of a game that allow players to interact with and navigate the game. This includes menus, HUD (heads-up display), buttons, and icons that provide information and facilitate gameplay.

Example: In “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” the UI includes the health, stamina, and magic bars, as well as inventory screens and quest logs, helping players manage their character and objectives.

~V~

Vaulting

Vaulting refers to a gameplay mechanic that allows characters to climb over obstacles or low barriers seamlessly. This action helps in navigating environments more fluidly and can be critical in both combat and exploration scenarios.

Example: In “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds” (PUBG), players can vault over fences, walls, and other obstacles to quickly move around the map and escape danger or pursue opponents.

Versus Mode

Versus Mode is a game mode where players compete directly against each other rather than cooperating or playing against AI. This mode is common in fighting games, sports games, and multiplayer shooters.

Example: In “Street Fighter V,” Versus Mode allows two players to battle against each other using their chosen characters.

Viewport

A viewport in gaming is the visible area of the game world that the player can see on their screen at any given time. The size and perspective of the viewport can vary depending on the game and the player’s actions, such as zooming in or out.

Example: In “The Sims,” the viewport can be adjusted to zoom in on individual Sims or zoom out to view the entire house or neighborhood.

Virtual Economy

A virtual economy refers to the system of trade and currency within a video game. Players can earn, spend, and trade in-game items, currency, and resources, often creating complex economic systems that mirror real-world economies.

Example: “World of Warcraft” has a robust virtual economy where players buy and sell items, gear, and materials using in-game gold, influencing supply and demand within the game’s marketplace.

Voice Chat

Voice Chat is a communication feature that allows players to speak to each other in real-time using microphones during online multiplayer games. Voice chat enhances coordination and teamwork, especially in competitive and cooperative game modes.

Example: In “Fortnite,” players can use voice chat to communicate strategies, share information about enemy positions, and coordinate their actions to increase their chances of winning.

V-sync

V-sync (vertical synchronization) is a display option that synchronizes the frame rate of a game with the refresh rate of the monitor to prevent screen tearing. Screen tearing occurs when the display shows multiple frames in a single screen draw.

Example: Enabling V-sync in “The Witcher 3” can provide a smoother visual experience by ensuring that each frame is fully rendered before being displayed, although it may introduce input lag.

~W~

Walkthrough

A walkthrough is a comprehensive guide that provides detailed instructions on how to progress through a game, including solutions to puzzles, strategies for combat, and locations of hidden items. Walkthroughs can be written, video, or interactive guides.

Example: Players stuck on a puzzle in “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” might consult an online walkthrough to find the solution and continue their adventure.

Wallhack

A wallhack is a cheat or exploit in games, particularly in first-person shooters, that allows players to see through walls and other solid objects. This gives the cheater an unfair advantage by revealing the locations of enemies or items that should be hidden.

Example: In “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive,” using a wallhack to see enemies through walls can lead to unfair gameplay and is considered cheating, resulting in bans if detected.

Wall Jump

A wall jump is a gameplay mechanic that allows characters to jump off a wall to reach higher areas or traverse gaps. This move is often used in platformers and action games to add complexity to movement and level design.

Example: In “Super Metroid,” Samus can perform wall jumps to reach high ledges and secret areas, adding a layer of skill and exploration to the game.

Warp Zone

A warp zone is a hidden area in a game that allows players to skip ahead to later levels or different parts of the game world. Warp zones are often secret and require exploration or specific actions to find.

Example: In “Super Mario Bros.,” players can access a warp zone by climbing over the ceiling in World 1–2, allowing them to skip directly to Worlds 2, 3, or 4.

WASD Controls

WASD controls refer to the use of the W, A, S, and D keys on a keyboard to control the movement of a character in video games. These keys typically correspond to forward, left, backward, and right movements, respectively.

Example: In “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive,” players use the WASD keys to move their character around the map while using the mouse to aim and shoot.

Wave

In gaming, a wave refers to a group of enemies that appear at specific intervals or stages in a game. Players must defeat each wave before proceeding, with each subsequent wave typically increasing in difficulty.

Example: In “Call of Duty: Zombies,” players face waves of increasingly difficult zombie hordes, with each wave becoming more challenging as the game progresses.

Wave Dash

Wave dash is an advanced movement technique in fighting games, particularly in the “Super Smash Bros.” series. It involves quickly moving the character across the stage by combining a jump and an air dodge into the ground, allowing for fast and fluid movement.

Example: Skilled players in “Super Smash Bros. Melee” use wave dashing to control the stage and outmaneuver opponents with increased speed and agility.

Webgame

A webgame is a game that is played within a web browser without requiring any additional downloads or installations. These games are often created using technologies like HTML5, JavaScript, and Flash.

Example: “Agar.io” is a popular webgame where players control a cell, consume smaller cells, and avoid being eaten by larger cells, all within a web browser.

World

In gaming, a world refers to the entirety of the game’s environment, encompassing all levels, areas, and locations that players can explore. It defines the game’s setting and often includes various regions with distinct themes and challenges.

Example: The world of “Skyrim” is vast and diverse, including snowy mountains, dense forests, and ancient ruins, all of which players can explore.

World Map

A world map in a game is a visual representation of the game’s entire environment or a significant portion of it, showing various locations, regions, and points of interest that players can visit. It helps players navigate and plan their journeys within the game.

Example: In “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” the world map displays the entire kingdom of Hyrule, including markers for shrines, towers, and other key locations.

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XP (Experience Points)

XP, or Experience Points, are a measure of a player’s progress and achievements in a game. Players earn XP by completing tasks, defeating enemies, or achieving objectives, which can lead to level-ups and improved abilities.

Example: In “World of Warcraft,” players gain XP by completing quests and defeating monsters, allowing their characters to level up and gain new skills.

~Z~

Zerg Rush

A Zerg Rush is a strategy in real-time strategy games, particularly “StarCraft,” where a player overwhelms their opponent with a large number of weak units early in the game. The term originates from the Zerg race in “StarCraft,” known for their ability to produce units quickly.

Example: In “StarCraft,” a Zerg player might perform a Zerg Rush by quickly building and sending a swarm of Zerglings to attack their opponent’s base early in the game.

Zone

A zone in gaming refers to a distinct area or region within the game world, often with its own unique environment, enemies, and objectives. Zones help structure the game world and guide player progression.

Example: In “World of Warcraft,” zones like Elwynn Forest and Durotar are distinct areas with their own quests, enemies, and landscapes.

Zoning

Zoning in gaming, particularly in fighting games, refers to a strategy where a player controls the space between them and their opponent to maintain an advantageous position. This often involves using long-range attacks and movement to keep opponents at a distance.

Example: In “Street Fighter,” characters like Dhalsim excel at zoning by using their long-range attacks to keep opponents at bay and control the battlefield.

• ~~ To add:
• Alternate reality game
• Attract mode
• Kaizo
• Exploit
• Masocore
• Nintendo hard
• Pixel hunting
• Permadeath
• Precision Platformer
• Rubberbanding