Definition of Term
- ABSTRACT GAME: Games that don't relate to the real world. (Checkers, Chess, Othello, Tetris, etc.)
- AI: Artificial Intelligence - A script that guides what computer opponents do in certain situation.
- ANTICIPATORY CONFLICT: When a player makes a choice in order to prevent another player from making a choice.
- AR GAMES: Alternate Reality Games - Games that intrude into the real world.
- AVATAR: A representation of the player of the game within the game.
- BETA: A term used to refer to a game that is still being tested before release.
- CDG: Card Driven Game - A game that is decided by what cards a player draws. Ex: Yugioh
- CINEMATIC: A movie inserted into a video game to advance the narrative. Now largely replaced by Cut Scenes.
- COLLECTIBLE: Something the player can collect in-game as a reward for progress. Ex: Cut Scene Replay/Costumes
- COMMERCIAL VIABILITY: How likely the game is to make money.
- COOPERATIVE GAME: A game that requires players to work together to overcome a challenge.
- CUT SCENE: A video created using the game program rather than a separate video editor to advance the narrative.
- DIRECT CONFLICT: This occurs when one player does something that immediately affects another player.
- DOWNTIME: Time when a player is not actually participating in the game. (WAIT / CG)
- GENRE: A classification of a type of gameplay.
- IMMERSION: When the player feels like they are really inside of the game.
- INCREMENTAL: Slight changes in the game. Ex: V1.01 > V1.02
- MDA: Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics - A way to critique game designs.
- MMO: Massively Multiplayer Online - A game that involves thousands of other players.
- NPC: Non-Playable Character - A game asset that is used for side-quests or to advance the narrative.
- PLATFORMER: A game that focuses on running, leaping, and jumping. (usually involves moving platforms) Ex: Sonic
- POWER UP: A temporary boost to the avatar or enemy.
- PUZZLE GAME: The player must find solutions to various problems to advance in level or narrative.
- RACING GAME: The player races against other players or AI to complete a course first.
- RPG: Role Playing Game - Players take on the role of the Avatar and complete tasks to advance a narrative.
- SHOOTER: A game where the principal activity is shooting at enemies and blowing stuff up.
- SIMULATION: A simulation of a real-world activity. Ex: The Sims
- UI: User Interface - The means by which the player interacts with the game.
- VR GAMES: Virtual Reality Games - Games that create immersion in a 3D world by use of a VR headset.