A Video Gaming Glossary

For people who do not spend a whole deal of time playing video games, there is a whole host of odd terms and slang often used by frequent gamers, which can sound like a different language. Most of the terms are new or adapted versions of old “video game slang”, and if you did not understand that, you will have little or no chance understanding the new terms.

Most people, whether avid gamers or not will be able to understand the term “graphics”, and could maybe even work out what was meant by “playability”.

Beyond those basic video game terms, it can get very confusing for a novice.

Apart from these general easy to understand terms, let’s have a look at some of the other commonly heard words used in video game talk, and see exactly what they mean.

A “boss” or “End of level meanie” is normally a character that appears at the end point of a level, and must be destroyed before you can move on to the next level.

Other characters found earlier in the level may be killed quite easily with just one or two hits or shots, whereas with a “boss” it will take much more of an effort from the player to destroy it.

There are also various terms which describe the type of game being played. The most common ones are “shoot-em-up” games, where the theme of the game will be very much based around players having to use their shooting skills to progress through the game.

Then you have “Beat-em-up” games that will involve more hand-to-hand combat. A good example of this is an old game entitled “Double Dragon” which was about street gangs.

“Platform” games are normally side-scrolling games, which involve the player jumping or running from place to place, maybe even collecting coins or gems along the way in order to progress.

Finally you have “sim” games. Short for simulation, these games allow the player to build their own worlds, which they can then interact with. Making friends, getting a job, or perhaps even running a business. The most obvious example of these kinds of games is the “Sims” franchise.

It will take some practice to get the hang of all the gaming slang there is, but I hope this post will have given you a good head start!  And please, do not hesitate to add some more…

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