Gaming Glossary

Triple-A (AAA) refers to high-budget games produced and marketed by major publishers (Activision Blizzard, EA, Ubisoft, Sony, Microsoft). AAA games typically have large development teams, marketing budgets comparable to Hollywood films, and production values targeting mainstream audiences. Examples include Call of Duty, FIFA, Assassin's Creed, and God of War. The AAA model has been criticized for risk-averse design, high cost, and reliance on sequels and franchises.

A genre that combines real-time action combat (no turn-based waiting) with RPG progression systems like leveling up, skill trees, and equipment upgrades. The player directly controls combat rather than selecting moves from a menu. Examples span from Diablo and Path of Exile (isometric ARPGs) to The Witcher 3 and Elden Ring (third-person ARPGs). The genre dominates modern mainstream gaming.

A seasonal progression system where players pay (or earn) access to a tiered reward track. Completing in-game challenges earns experience that unlocks cosmetic rewards (skins, emotes, sprays) as the player progresses through tiers. Introduced by Dota 2 in 2013 and popularized by Fortnite in 2018, battle passes are now standard in live-service games. They offer more predictable monetization than loot boxes while giving players clear progression goals.

A multiplayer game genre where a large number of players (typically 60–150) compete to be the last player or team standing. Players are dropped onto a map, scavenge for weapons and equipment, and are funneled into ever-shrinking safe zones to force confrontation. The genre was popularized by PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) in 2017 and exploded with Fortnite. Other examples include Apex Legends, Warzone, and PUBG: Battlegrounds.

Cooperative gameplay where multiple players work together toward shared objectives rather than competing against each other. Co-op modes range from split-screen couch co-op (It Takes Two, Overcooked) to online co-op campaigns (Deep Rock Galactic, Halo) to raid groups in MMORPGs. The genre has seen a resurgence with games like Deep Rock Galactic, Valheim, and Phasmophobia proving the appeal of shared cooperative experiences.

Cross-platform multiplayer — the ability for players on different gaming platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) to play together in the same matches or sessions. Crossplay has become increasingly common in major multiplayer games including Fortnite, Rocket League, and Call of Duty. It significantly increases the matchmaking player pool and reduces wait times. Some players disable crossplay due to concerns that PC players have mechanical advantages over controller players in shooters.

A period of intense, often mandatory overtime worked by game developers — typically in the months before a game's release date. Crunch culture has been widely reported at studios including Rockstar Games (Red Dead Redemption 2), CD Projekt Red (Cyberpunk 2077), and Naughty Dog (The Last of Us). Workers often report 80-100 hour weeks with unpaid overtime, leading to burnout and health issues. The games industry has faced increasing scrutiny and union organising efforts in response to crunch culture.

A software update released simultaneously with a game's launch — or very shortly after — that fixes bugs, adds performance improvements, or restores content cut from the disc version. Day-one patches have become common as games can be updated digitally post-manufacture. They are sometimes controversial when very large (implying the game was not fully finished at disc press) or when they restore features that should have been in the base game.

Downloadable Content — additional content sold separately from the base game, typically including new story campaigns, maps, characters, weapons, or cosmetics. DLC ranges from large paid expansions (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine) to small cosmetic packs. Season passes bundle multiple DLC releases at a discounted price. DLC has been criticized when it appears to be content cut from the base game or locks important gameplay features behind a paywall.

Upscaling technologies that allow games to render at a lower resolution and use AI or algorithms to reconstruct a higher-resolution image, recovering performance lost to demanding settings like ray tracing. DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is NVIDIA's AI-powered upscaler, exclusive to RTX GPUs. FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) is AMD's open-source alternative, compatible with virtually any GPU including NVIDIA cards. Both allow players to significantly improve frame rates with minimal perceived visual quality loss. Intel's XeSS is a third competing upscaler.

A game release model where players can buy and play an incomplete game while the developer continues adding content and fixing issues. Steam popularized Early Access as a formal label. Some games use the time in Early Access to build a community and use player feedback to shape development (Hades, Deep Rock Galactic). Others remain in Early Access indefinitely without meaningful updates. Buyers should research developer track records before purchasing Early Access titles.

Organized competitive gaming at a professional or semi-professional level, typically featuring structured leagues, tournaments, prize pools, and dedicated teams and players. Major esports titles include League of Legends, Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and FIFA. Top tournaments like The International (Dota 2), Worlds (League of Legends), and the CS2 Major attract millions of viewers globally and offer multi-million dollar prize pools. Esports has grown into a billion-dollar industry with media rights, sponsorships, and franchised leagues.

First-Person Shooter — a genre of action game where the player experiences the game from the protagonist's perspective (first-person view) and the core gameplay revolves around shooting. FPS games range from realistic military shooters (Call of Duty, Battlefield) to hero-based tactical shooters (Valorant, Overwatch) to arena shooters (Quake, Unreal Tournament). The genre is one of the most popular in both casual and competitive gaming.

Detailed information about the timing properties of moves in fighting games, measured in frames (typically at 60fps). Frame data includes startup frames (how many frames before the move becomes active), active frames (how long the attack hitbox lasts), and recovery frames (how long the character is vulnerable after the move). Frame data determines which moves are safe on block, which can be punished, and which create advantage or disadvantage. Mastery of frame data is essential for high-level competitive fighting game play.

A game distribution model where the base game is available at no cost, with revenue generated through optional purchases of cosmetics, battle passes, or in some cases gameplay-affecting items (pay-to-win). Free-to-play has dominated mobile gaming and expanded to PC and console with titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Warzone, and Path of Exile. The model maximizes player count and reduces the barrier to entry, creating large audiences for competitive and live-service games.

A monetization mechanic where players spend currency (real or in-game) for randomized character or item draws, similar to capsule toy machines (gashapon) in Japan. Gacha mechanics are central to mobile games like Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Fire Emblem Heroes. The mechanic has been criticized for encouraging compulsive spending to collect rare characters. Many regions now require disclosure of drop rates; some have implemented spending limits.

An action game subgenre focused on fast-paced melee combat against large numbers of enemies. The player character uses powerful attacks and combos to defeat waves of foes with satisfying visual and audio feedback. Examples include Devil May Cry 5, Bayonetta, God of War, and Dynasty Warriors. Hack-and-slash games prioritize spectacle and combat feel over deep narrative or exploration.

Video games developed by independent studios without major publisher funding or corporate backing. Indie games are typically smaller in scope and budget than AAA titles but often more innovative in design. The indie scene has produced genre-defining games including Minecraft, Undertale, Celeste, Hollow Knight, Stardew Valley, and Hades. Steam, itch.io, and digital console storefronts have lowered distribution barriers, enabling small teams to reach global audiences.

Japanese Role-Playing Game — a subgenre of RPGs developed primarily in Japan, typically featuring turn-based or semi-real-time combat, anime-influenced art styles, linear story progression, and party-based gameplay. Defining series include Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Persona, Tales of, and Xenoblade Chronicles. JRPGs are known for elaborate stories, character development arcs, and often dozens of hours of gameplay.

A game model designed for ongoing engagement, regularly updated with new content such as seasons, battle passes, events, and patches rather than delivered as a complete, finished product. Live-service games include Fortnite, Apex Legends, Destiny 2, and League of Legends. The model typically uses a free-to-play entry point with revenue from cosmetic microtransactions or battle passes. Success requires a dedicated development team maintaining the game indefinitely.

A monetization mechanic where players purchase a virtual container that reveals randomized rewards — cosmetics, characters, or gameplay items — often using premium currency. Loot boxes have been compared to gambling due to their random reward structure and have been regulated or banned in several countries including Belgium and the Netherlands. Games like Overwatch and FIFA's Ultimate Team popularized the mechanic. Following regulatory and public pressure, many publishers have moved away from loot boxes toward direct purchase cosmetics or battle passes.

Persistent upgrades or unlocks that carry over between runs in a roguelite, improving the player's capabilities in subsequent attempts. Meta-progression softens permadeath by ensuring every run contributes something permanent toward making the player stronger or unlocking new options. Examples include unlocking new starting weapons in Dead Cells, upgrading the hub in Hades, or expanding the build pool in Slay the Spire.

A genre of 2D action-adventure games that combine exploration with ability-gating: areas of the map are locked behind abilities your character does not yet have. Progress requires backtracking to previously visited areas after gaining new powers. The name is a portmanteau of Metroid and Castlevania, the two series that defined the genre. Modern examples include Hollow Knight, Ori and the Blind Forest, and Blasphemous.

Small in-game purchases made with real money, typically for cosmetic items, currency, or progression boosts. Microtransactions are the primary revenue model for free-to-play games and are also common in full-priced titles. When microtransactions affect gameplay (pay-to-win), they are controversial. Cosmetic-only microtransactions are more widely accepted, as seen in games like League of Legends and Fortnite. The term 'microtransaction' is somewhat ironic as individual purchases can cost $10–$20 or more.

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game — a genre where thousands of players share a persistent online world, progressing characters, completing quests, and engaging in player-vs-player or cooperative content. The genre was defined by EverQuest and World of Warcraft. Other major MMORPGs include Final Fantasy XIV, Guild Wars 2, Elder Scrolls Online, and Lost Ark. MMORPGs are known for their time investment, social guilds, and end-game raiding.

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena — a genre where two teams of players control individual hero characters and compete to destroy the opposing team's base structure. MOBAs are defined by their top-down perspective, last-hitting for gold, itemization, and distinct ability-focused hero designs. League of Legends and Dota 2 are the dominant MOBAs and among the most-played games in the world. Mobile MOBAs like Mobile Legends and Honor of Kings have billions of players in Southeast Asia and China.

The practice of modifying a game's files to change gameplay, add new content, fix bugs, or improve visuals. PC gaming has the richest modding ecosystem, with games like Skyrim, Minecraft, and Cities: Skylines receiving thousands of community-created modifications. Mods are distributed through platforms like Nexus Mods and the Steam Workshop. Some of the most influential games started as mods — Counter-Strike and DotA both began as Valve or Blizzard engine mods.

A game design approach where the player can freely explore a large virtual world without being funneled through linear levels. Open-world games typically feature a main quest alongside side quests, collectibles, and emergent gameplay. Examples include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Elden Ring. The genre grew rapidly after the success of Grand Theft Auto III (2001), which demonstrated open-world design at scale.

Official documentation released by game developers listing all changes made in a game update — including bug fixes, balance adjustments, new content additions, and removed features. Patch notes are essential reading for competitive players tracking meta changes. Games like League of Legends, Valorant, and Path of Exile have patch notes that are widely discussed and analysed by communities. Balance changes in patch notes can dramatically shift which characters, weapons, or strategies are considered optimal.

A game monetization model where paying real money provides tangible competitive advantages over non-paying players — such as stronger weapons, better stats, or exclusive abilities. Abbreviated as P2W. Pay-to-win is widely criticised as undermining fair competition in multiplayer games and is distinct from cosmetic-only monetization where purchases affect appearance but not gameplay. Mobile games frequently use P2W mechanics. Games like Diablo Immortal faced backlash for P2W elements despite being published by Blizzard.

Gaming on personal computers (Windows, Mac, Linux). PC gaming offers higher performance potential, a wider game library, mod support, and customizable hardware compared to consoles. Key PC gaming platforms include Steam (Valve), Epic Games Store, and GOG. PC gaming is the dominant platform for strategy games, MOBAs, and competitive FPS titles. Building or buying a capable gaming PC typically costs more upfront than a console but offers greater flexibility.

A game mechanic where the death of the player's character is permanent — there is no respawn or save reload. When you die, the run ends and you start over, usually from the beginning. Permadeath is central to roguelikes and roguelites. Some games offer permadeath as an optional hardcore mode (Diablo IV Hardcore, Minecraft Hardcore). The mechanic raises the stakes of every decision and makes each run feel meaningful.

A technique where game content (levels, maps, items, quests) is created algorithmically rather than hand-crafted by designers. Procedural generation enables near-infinite variety and replayability. It powers the dungeon layouts in roguelikes, the worlds in Minecraft and No Man's Sky, and the loot systems in Diablo and Path of Exile. The trade-off is that algorithmically generated content can sometimes lack the intentional design of hand-crafted levels.

Player vs Player — any game mode where players compete directly against other human players rather than AI-controlled enemies. PvP spans ranked ladders in fighting games and MOBAs, battle royale matches, deathmatch modes in FPS games, and world PvP in MMORPGs. Competitive PvP is the foundation of esports. Balanced PvP requires constant design attention to prevent dominant strategies (the 'meta') from making the game stale.

A competitive matchmaking mode in multiplayer games where wins and losses affect the player's visible skill rank. Ranked modes use systems like Elo, MMR (Matchmaking Rating), or league-based tiers (Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Master, Grandmaster, Challenger) to match players of similar skill. Climbing the ranked ladder is a primary long-term goal for competitive players. Ranked modes are distinct from casual/unranked queues where outcomes don't affect standing.

A real-time rendering technique that simulates the physical behaviour of light to produce realistic reflections, shadows, ambient occlusion, and global illumination. Ray tracing has been available in PC games since 2018 (NVIDIA RTX series) and became a console feature with PS5 and Xbox Series X. While ray tracing dramatically improves visual fidelity — particularly in reflective surfaces and lighting — it has significant performance costs. Most games offer a Quality mode (ray tracing enabled, 30fps) vs Performance mode (ray tracing off, 60fps) on consoles.

A subgenre of role-playing games characterized by procedurally generated levels, permadeath (starting over when your character dies), and turn-based gameplay. The term comes from the 1980 game Rogue. Modern examples include Hades, Dead Cells, and Enter the Gungeon. Roguelikes emphasize replayability — each run feels different because the dungeon layout, item drops, and enemy placement are randomized.

Hades is one of the best roguelikes ever made, with a compelling story that rewards repeated runs.

A game that borrows elements from roguelikes (procedural generation, permadeath) but adds persistent progression between runs. When you die, you keep some currency, unlocks, or upgrades that make future runs slightly easier. Examples include Hades, Dead Cells, and Risk of Rain 2. The distinction from a pure roguelike is the meta-progression layer that softens the harshness of full permadeath.

A networking technique used in fighting games where each player's game simulates (predicts) the opponent's inputs locally rather than waiting for confirmation over the network, then 'rolls back' and corrects if the prediction was wrong. Rollback netcode results in online play that feels close to offline play even with moderate latency, making competitive online fighting game matches viable. Compared to delay-based netcode (the traditional alternative), rollback significantly improves online experience. Street Fighter 6, Guilty Gear Strive, and Tekken 8 use rollback netcode.

A game genre emphasizing player freedom and creativity over structured objectives. Sandbox games provide tools, systems, and a world for players to interact with however they choose. Minecraft is the defining sandbox game. Others include Terraria, Valheim, and No Man's Sky. The term is also used loosely to describe open-world games with high player agency, like Grand Theft Auto V.

Skill-Based Matchmaking — a system that matches players against opponents of similar skill level based on performance metrics such as win rate, kill-death ratio, or ELO rating. SBMM is designed to create balanced matches and prevent new players from facing highly skilled opponents. However, it is highly controversial in games like Call of Duty: Warzone because it results in consistently challenging lobbies with little relief, making casual play feel like a ranked match. Critics argue SBMM removes the natural skill variation that made older multiplayer games more fun. Supporters say it makes games fairer for casual players.

A bundle that grants access to all DLC released for a game during a defined period, typically at a discount versus purchasing each piece individually. Season passes are bought upfront before DLC is released, requiring trust in the developer's future content plans. They are distinct from battle passes, which are tied to a single season's content. Major games like The Witcher 3 and Borderlands 3 offered season passes that included large story expansions. Season passes have fallen out of favour as battle passes and live-service models have become dominant.

A subgenre of action RPGs inspired by FromSoftware's Dark Souls series, characterized by difficult enemy encounters, methodical stamina-based combat, loss of currency (souls/echoes/runes) on death, and sparse narrative delivered through environmental storytelling and item descriptions. Examples include Elden Ring, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Lies of P, and Lords of the Fallen. The genre rewards patience, pattern recognition, and learning from failure.

A playthrough of a game completed as quickly as possible, often using exploits, glitches, and optimised strategies that differ significantly from normal play. Speedrunning has a large community on platforms like Speedrun.com and Twitch. Common categories include Any% (finish the game by any means, using any glitch), 100% (complete all objectives), and Glitchless (no game-breaking exploits). Games with large speedrunning communities include The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Dark Souls, and Super Mario 64.

A handheld gaming PC made by Valve, released in 2022. The Steam Deck runs SteamOS (a Linux-based operating system) and can play the vast majority of the Steam game library. It bridges the gap between PC and handheld gaming, allowing players to take their Steam library on the go. Valve rates games as Verified, Playable, or Unsupported on the Steam Deck based on compatibility testing. The Steam Deck OLED (2023) updated the display and battery.

A system that rewards viewers watching specific streams on Twitch with in-game rewards such as cosmetics, loot boxes, beta access, or currency. Game publishers use Twitch Drops to incentivise viewership during game launches or esports events, driving both stream viewership numbers and player engagement. Viewers must link their game account to Twitch and watch a certain number of hours to claim rewards. Twitch Drops campaigns are common in games like Valorant, Path of Exile, and Diablo IV.